The Pokemon Company President and CEO Tsunekazu Ishihara recently gave a speech at the Healthcare x Gamification Forum on the benefits of Pokemon GO.

According to Ishihara, The Pokemon Company estimates Pokemon GO players around the world have walked 23 billion km while playing the game. This figure was derived from assuming one step is 0.7m walked, as Pokemon GO players have collectively walked 32.8 trillion steps together.

Ishihara then cited a report by the University of Tsukuba. The report states that for every step a human takes, they save 0.061 yen in medical fees, as walking helps to keep people healthy and strong. Based on the university’s findings, Ishihara concluded Pokemon GO players worldwide saved about USD18 billion in medical fees. He also pointed out players living in Japan have saved about USD6.54 billion in medical fees.

What do you think? Let us know in the comments.

Thanks, Brandon.