A part of India’s Guardian Ring Yoga Plan, Japan has over 7 million yoga lovers
In recent years, Yoga has become increasingly popular in Japan owing to its several benefits in terms of improving physical and mental health, getting fit, and enrichment of the quality of life.
NEW DELHI: Kunihiko KAWAZU, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of Japan to India said that PM Narendra Modi’s meeting with a representative of a Yoga organization in Japan during his visit in May provided a boost to the popularity of Yoga in the country.
“Yoga is already popular amongst more than seven million people of Japan. The importance of intercultural exchanges, such as today’s event, in deepening friendly relations between Japan and India,” Mr. KAWAZU said during a yoga session organised at the Embassy of Japan on June 21, the International Yoga Day in New Delhi.
The Embassy of Japan organized a Yoga Event at the garden of the Ambassador’s residence on the Embassy premises in New Delhi to celebrate the International Day of Yoga. The event was attended by the officials of the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India. This event was also a part of the celebratory events being organized to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Japan and India.
In recent years, Yoga has become increasingly popular in Japan owing to its several benefits in terms of improving physical and mental health, getting fit and enrichment of quality of life. Yoga is also being incorporated and suggested by various fields concerning health promotion, mental health awareness, betterment of lifestyle and sports. This timely event was organized to promote cultural exchange between India and Japan and it set a great momentum for the 70th anniversary celebrations.
Ms. Kavita Garg, Joint Secretary of Yoga and Naturopathy Division, Ministry of Ayush, said, “I was pleased that Japan is also a part of the “Guardian Ring” Yoga Plan.” While acknowledging Japan’s active interest in Yoga, she praised the enthusiasm of Japanese people and celebrities who practice and promote the same. Ms. Garg expressed her hope that projects like these will contribute in bringing our two countries together. The Yoga session was led by an instructor, Ms. Rooma Singh.
Some of the yoga enthusiasts from Japan also include Kenji Sugino, Secretary-General, Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry in India (JCCII). Yoga is an important part of his daily lifestyle, and his day begins with yoga whether he is at home or travelling. He does not miss a chance to perform yoga even while travelling for pleasure or work in India or outside.
Having travelled to Japan as well as to Australia and Singapore as an ITU fellow, the 78-year old Prof. Jagdish Kumar Mehta in Gurugram who has been following the path taught by Buddha, is an ardent yoga practitioner for several decades.
He is a retired Indian government officer has also travelled to France, Canada, Thailand and Nepal to participate in Asian and international conferences. He has not been to any physician and taken medicine for the last 23 years just due to following cultivation practices of Yoga. He has been carrying on to fulfil all responsibilities as a householder, with ease and balance of body and mind. He gives the credit for his completely healthy body, mind and intellect to his Yoga practices
“To achieve Buddhahood while living in the society facing day to day tribulations, conflicts, and hardships, have always been a challenge for a common citizen of any society. I have never been suffered from Cataract in any of my eyes so far, no knee replacements or covers, no protruding tummy, or the beginning of diseases,” said Prof. Mehta.
In Japan also many Japanese participated in groups as well as individual yoga sessions on Tuesday. Nobuhiro Takahashi, former advisor, Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry in India (JCCII), who has attained his new name Yogi Anand, performed various asanas of yoga in Tokyo.
ACN
