Japanese Embrace Indian Yoga for Wellness

An International Day of Yoga event in Toyota City, Japan, saw approximately 100 participants, mostly Japanese nationals along with some Indians, engage in a two-hour session on Sunday. The event was spearheaded by Nibedita Sahu, a yoga instructor from Baripada, Odisha.

Sahu noted the increasing global awareness of yoga's importance for mental and physical health, especially post-pandemic. Her aim is to introduce authentic Indian yoga and pranayama traditions to foster healthier lifestyles.

The session followed the common yoga protocol, including various asanas and pranayama techniques like kapalabhati and anulom vilom, concluding with meditation. Participants like Eiko Yamashita and Mamiko Nagae shared how yoga has alleviated physical discomfort and enhanced mental clarity and emotional stability.

Indian residents in Japan also found benefits, with clinical researcher Mani Nagaveni and mechanical design engineer Jayaraman Achuthan reporting enhanced flexibility, stress reduction, and improved focus. The event featured Indian classical dances at its beginning and end.