— While India marked the International Day of Yoga with grand celebrations, a heartfelt and harmonious event unfolded thousands of kilometers away in Toyota City, Japan, where Indians and Japanese came together in the spirit of wellness, unity, and cultural exchange.
Hosted at the Takahashi Community Centre, the three-hour event featured a holistic blend of yoga, meditation, music, and cross-cultural performances. Over 100 participants immersed themselves in the global yoga spirit.
Yoga, Breath & Music
The morning began with an hour-long yoga session led by instructor Nivedita Sahu, who followed the official Indian Yoga Protocol. This was followed by 25 minutes of pranayama and guided meditation, concluding with 10 minutes of music-led stretching.
“The idea is to keep yoga simple and inclusive,” Nivedita said. “We want to ensure that anyone — from any background — can embrace yoga as a daily practice.”
When Japan Danced to Indian Tunes
One of the highlights was a captivating Indian semi-classical dance performed by Japanese artists. The dancers gracefully moved to ‘Asato Ma Sad Gamaya’ and a Rabindranath Tagore composition, reflecting a deep admiration for Indian heritage.
Words of Wisdom & Shared Values
Shomon Akita, a revered Buddhist monk from Guzeiin Temple, brought philosophical depth to the gathering. He spoke about the Patanjali Yoga Sutra and reflected on the shloka ‘Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah’, promoting the idea of universal harmony and compassion.
Adding to the enriching experience, Subha Kokuba Chakraborty delivered a well-researched presentation drawing parallels between Indian and Japanese cultures, highlighting shared values like inner peace, discipline, and respect for tradition.
FAQ
Q1. Why is Yoga Day celebrated globally, including in Japan?
A: Yoga, an ancient Indian practice, promotes physical and mental well-being. The UN declared June 21 as International Yoga Day to encourage its global adoption. Japan, with its own traditions of mindfulness, naturally connects with yoga’s core values.
Q2. How did Japanese participants relate to Indian traditions?
A: Through dance, philosophy, and music, Japanese participants expressed sincere respect and curiosity about Indian culture. Events like this create a bridge of mutual learning and appreciation between the two nations.
Conclusion
Toyota City’s Yoga Day celebration was more than just stretches and postures — it was a celebration of shared humanity, values, and inner peace. In a quiet community centre, India and Japan moved, breathed, and connected — as one.
