International Yoga Day Arrives Early in Tokyo

Jun 21, 2025 | News On Japan

TOKYO - As the sun rose over Tokyo, the spiritual calm of Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple was matched by the rhythmic breathing of over 2,000 people who gathered to celebrate the 11th International Yoga Day, held on June 21st under the theme "Yoga for One Earth, One Health."

The event, organized by the Indian Embassy, showcased the growing global appeal of this Indian tradition.

Participants calmly held various yoga poses as they spent a peaceful morning. The temple grounds turned into a sea of mats, forming a striking symbol of collective mindfulness and shared intention, as yoga enthusiasts from different nationalities and backgrounds came together.

The United Nations has designated International Yoga Day as a day for people around the world to enjoy yoga. Despite rising temperatures from the morning, a record number of participants gathered to practice poses and meditation.

A woman who joined the event for the first time said, "It was my first time doing yoga while basking in the sun, and it felt really great." Another participant shared, "Today I had a very special experience with the yoga lesson. I recommend yoga because it protects not only our physical health but also our mental well-being. It is very good for people." A third added, "I usually do yoga in the morning or after lunch, so I am so glad to take part in this event today. Thank you so much."

Indian Ambassador to Japan Sibi George said, "Yoga is a gift from India to the world. The embassy here has been proactively engaging with our Japanese friends to spread the message of yoga — one of harmony, peace, and well-being. I estimate that at least 8% of Japan’s 120 million people practice yoga daily. But our target is bigger. We hope to increase that number to at least 80% of the population. We are working very hard, and I am very happy to see so many people joining us today to celebrate the International Day of Yoga."

The event became more than just a celebration; it served as a reminder that inner peace can ripple outward, touching hearts across cultures and continents. At the historic Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple, the confluence of tradition, culture, wellness, and international friendship was on full display. From deep breathing to deeper bonds, International Yoga Day found a special place in the heart of the land of the rising sun.

Source: TBS

Martinelli Breaks Japan Hearts as Brazil Win 2-1 in World Cup Thriller

Japan’s World Cup campaign ended in the cruelest possible fashion on June 29, as Gabriel Martinelli scored in the fifth minute of stoppage time to give Brazil a 2-1 victory over the Samurai Blue in their knockout match in Houston. Japan had led in the first half and were still level at 1-1 in the final moments, but Martinelli’s late strike sent Brazil into the Round of 16 and eliminated Japan from the tournament.

Strong Quakes Strike Japan 11 Times Since April

Strong earthquakes have continued to shake parts of Japan in recent weeks, with 11 temblors measuring lower 5 or above on the Japanese seismic intensity scale recorded across the country since April 2026.

First Train of the Day Derails at Kintetsu Kyoto Station

A Kintetsu Railway train derailed inside Kyoto Station on the morning of June 29, forcing partial suspensions on the Kintetsu Kyoto Line for the rest of the day and causing long delays that hit commuters, students and tourists.

Hikone Castle Stone Wall Collapses After Typhoon Deluge

A section of stone wall at Hikone Castle, one of Japan’s few surviving original Edo-period castles and a National Treasure whose main keep remains intact more than 400 years after its construction, collapsed after heavy rain caused by Typhoons No. 7 and No. 8, Hikone city officials said.

Japan Books Spot in World Cup Knockout Stage After Sweden Draw

Japan advanced to the knockout stage of the World Cup after a 1-1 draw with Sweden on June 25, finishing second in Group F and setting up a Round of 32 clash with Brazil in Houston.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Entertainment NEWS

Akihiro Miwa, Stage Icon and Voice of Princess Mononoke, Dies at 91

Akihiro Miwa, the singer and actor whose career spanned chanson, theater, film, television and voice acting, died of old age on June 20 at the age of 91, her management office said.

Hiroji Miyamoto Marks 60th Birthday With Studio Performance

Hiroji Miyamoto, one of Japan’s leading rock singers, marked his 60th birthday with an appearance on News23, reflecting on a life spent in music and performing the program’s ending theme, "Close Your Eyes," in the studio.

GirlsFromAsia Review: 5 Features That Define the Platform Experience

When exploring an online dating platform for the first time, it helps to know which features actually shape the experience — and which ones are just window dressing.

Loneliness, peace and calm in Japan

Aesthetic calm and peace in japan.

Japan Expands Copyright to Include Background Music

Japan's parliament on June 17 enacted a revised copyright law that creates a new right allowing singers, musicians, and record companies to receive royalties when their recorded music is used as background music in commercial facilities such as cafes in Japan and overseas.