Odisha yoga instructor leads IDY in Japan
A two-hour International Day of Yoga (IDY) session was held at Toyota City in Japan on Sunday, drawing around 100 participants, predominantly Japanese nationals along with a few Indians. The session was conducted by Nibedita Sahu, a yoga instructor from Baripada, Odisha.
Growing recognition of yoga post-pandemic
Sahu noted that over the past five years, especially following the Covid-19 pandemic, people have increasingly realized the importance of mental and physical health, as well as immunity. "As an Indian yoga teacher, I aim to promote the authentic traditions of yoga and pranayama among the Japanese and international communities, helping people lead healthier and more balanced lives," said Sahu.
Asanas and pranayama practiced
The session included asanas such as tadasana (mountain pose), vrikshasana (tree pose), padahastasana (hand-to-foot pose), ardha chakrasana (half-wheel pose), trikonasana (triangle pose), bhadrasana (butterfly pose), vajrasana (thunderbolt pose), bhujangasana (cobra pose), shalabhasana (locust pose) and setu bandhasana (bridge pose), all following the common yoga protocol (CYP) for IDY. Pranayama practices like kapalabhati, anulom vilom and bhramari were also performed, followed by meditation and relaxation.
Participants share benefits
Eiko Yamashita, 61, a homemaker who has been practicing yoga for six months, reported relief from shoulder and back pain. "I've been enjoying weekly sessions using props and bolsters. The guidance on breathing techniques is precise. Yoga has brought improved mental clarity and emotional stability in me, particularly when I take care of my sick mother," she said. Mamiko Nagae, 58, a tutor, said yoga has enhanced his physical and mental well-being and made him more conscious about health and diet.
Indian participants also benefited
Indians living in Japan also joined. Mani Nagaveni, 31, a clinical researcher, said yoga improved her flexibility, reduced stress, and helped her stay focused and balanced. Jayaraman Achuthan, 31, a mechanical design engineer, noted that regular practice improved his posture, concentration, and ability to manage work-related stress.
Cultural elements and earlier celebrations
The event began and concluded with Indian classical dances. In Nagoya City, IDY celebrations started with a special event on May 31 at Nagoya International Center, bringing together participants from Japan, India, and other countries to raise awareness about yoga.
