People
October 31st, 2011
Interview: Jules Febre of Jivamukti Yoga NYC Talks about Vegan Lifestyle and Yoga Community in Japan
Jules is an internationally recognized yoga teacher who travels throughout the world regularly giving classes, workshops, and participating in events. I first interviewed Jules in February 2010 to learn more about his teaching of hip-hop asana in Japan. He came back again in September for another Japan tour and I had the good fortune to catch up with him in Shibuya to talk about his views of what it’s like to be vegan in Japan and how he sees Japan’s yoga community having developed over the years.
October 15th, 2011
Interview: Neti-Neti Yoga Shop’s Takumi Hasegawa – Eco-friendly Yoga Wear in Japan
Takumi Hasegawa is the owner of Neti-Neti, an online store specializing in eco-friendly yoga wear and yoga-related goods. Based in Kobe, he was visiting for the Yoga Festa and stopped by our Shibuya studio to talk about the philosophy and inspiration behind his company’s business, and environmentally friendly products such as yoga wear by Canadian brand, Eco Gear.
September 30th, 2011
Interview: Jason Crandell – Teaching Yoga in Japan
Jason Crandell is known for his skillful, unique approach to Vinyasa Yoga, and he teaches extensively at conferences in the US and internationally. I was lucky to have an opportunity to catch him in between workshops in Tokyo as part of his 2011 Japan tour. In this interview, I ask him about this impressions and experiences teaching yoga in Japan.
September 15th, 2011
Interview: Jesse Lee Parker – Teaching Tao Yoga in Japan
Jesse recently established the Tao Healing Space in Tokyo’s Shimokitazawa district, which is has a number of yoga studios and is popular with artists and people interested in alternative lifestyles. I stopped by to chat with Jesse and learn more about his courses. He also introduced me to Tibetan healing sound bowls and spoke about healthy living from the Taoist context.
August 30th, 2011
Interview: Mimi Horiuchi – NLP and Yoga
In this interview, Mimi Horiuchi talks about how her unique blend of yoga therapy, NLP and coaching brings healing and relaxation to mind and body. Having trained both abroad and in Japan, Mimi brings an international perspective to her teaching. Believing in the healing power of nature, Mimi runs yoga retreats in exotic locations such as Okinawa. She also told us about her future plans to run special teacher training courses that will empower others to teach this highly effective combination of practices.
August 15th, 2011
Interview: Waka Yogi – Swimming and Yoga
Waka Yogi is an instructor of Hot Yoga and former competitive swimmer from Osaka. In this interview, Waka explains the benefits of Hot Yoga for the mind and body. She also explains how swimming and yoga have many commonalities and, when practiced together, unite their strengths, making for a more balanced exercise regimen.
July 31st, 2011
Interview: Victor Chng – Teaching Yin Yoga in Japan
Victor Chng has been practicing yoga since 1999. His main motivation to teach yoga comes from wanting to bring healing to people in all layers of one’s being. Since 2005, Victor has been teaching Yin Yoga all over Asia, having trained over five hundred teachers in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Japan, Hong Kong, and China.
July 15th, 2011
Interview: Kaori Fuchi (Yoga Instructor/Tax Consultant) and Her Tips on Taxes for Yoga Enthusiasts
Kaori Fuchi is a licensed tax consultant and yoga instructor in Shibuya, Tokyo. She received her yoga teacher certification in 2010 through a program in India. Last year, she provided me with consultation on my business and she also helped me with my personal and corporate taxes. I interviewed Kaori, the “Yoga Tax Accountant,” to find out what kind of useful tips she has for those of us who teach yoga or own a studio.
June 30th, 2011
Interview: Budokon Founder, Kancho Cameron Shayne
Kancho Cameron Shayne is the founder and creator of the Budokon system, which integrates yoga, martial arts, and meditation. His mission is to teach people, young and old, that they have choices in the way they move their minds and bodies. In my first interview with Cameron, in September 2010, I asked him about Budokon in general. This time, I took the opportunity to drill a bit deeper and learn about the Budokon teacher training programs and the art’s philosophy. We also talked about his most recent visit to Japan and his plans for this coming September, when he will visit again. Also joining the interview was Sensei Donato Helbling, Director of Budokon for Latin America.
June 15th, 2011
Interview: John Friend, Anusara Yoga’s Founder, Talks about Teaching in Japan
John Friend is known for his teaching style that blends Tantric Yoga philosophy, Universal Principles of Alignment, and a sense of humor. Since John founded Anusara Yoga in 1997, it has expanded throughout North America, the UK, Europe, Asia, and Australia. I interviewed John at Studio Yoggy’s Tokyo branch, where he was holding workshops as part of his 2011 World Tour, and I asked him about his experiences teaching yoga in Japan.
Interview: Birad Rajaram Yajnik, Author of “The Great Indian Yoga Masters”
Birad Rajaram Yajnik visited Japan to launch the Japanese edition of his book, “The Great Yoga Masters,” at the Indian Embassy in Tokyo on April 30, 2012. Translated into Japanese by Kayo Shiozaki, it is a gorgeous book full of beautiful pictures and a very inspiring content. I was fortunate to catch Birad during his visit and talk to him about his inspiration for the book and the process he went through to produce it.
How to Become a Yoga Pro
There are three popularly accepted stages through which one advances in order to master the practice of yoga: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. These categories are in no way impenetrable fortresses, though, and one can often find overlapping methods being used. Becoming a pro also involves the study of philosophy and the ability to meditate, in addition to a deep understanding of anatomy. The amazing thing about becoming a so-called pro is that the more you master and know, the more you will realize that there is indeed so much more to learn about life and ways to control your own body.
Reality Check（Awareness and Realization of Reality = Facing Oneself）
Now is good time to start practicing yoga, as the climate as allows the body to easily warm up, making yoga practice easier. Many people do yoga for health; however, yoga isn’t only about physical poses and exercise. In India, the psychological and internal mind aspect of yoga is regarded as more important for a healthier and happier lifestyle because it helps to balance the mind, body, and soul. In this column, I continue exploring how to find a loving relationship with the yoga mind approach.
Yoga Aid Challenge 2012
The Yoga Aid Challenge was held at Tokyo MidTown again on April 29th, 2012. This was the 6th year since it was first established in Australia（5th year in terms of event operation）. It was held in Japan for the first time in 2008. This year, the 785 participants worked together to raise over 1.5 million yen.
HelloYoga.com Party #04
On November 12, 2011, HelloYoga.com and Be Yoga Japan collaborated to produce an informal, simple, and fun gathering for Tokyo’s yoga community, called the “Bare Foot Yoga Party.” Everybody enjoyed trying many new and fun experiences for the mind, body, and soul in one night! 50 percent of entry ticket proceeds will be donated to the Tyler Foundation, a charity which supports children with cancer in Japan and their families.
