International Day of Yoga celebrations in Japan took on added diplomatic significance this year as Yoshiko Ishiba, the wife of Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, led over 2,000 yoga practitioners in Tokyo in commemorating the ancient Indian tradition. The 11th edition of the globally observed day brought together not only fitness enthusiasts but also diplomats, religious leaders and senior officials.
The grand event, hosted by the Indian Embassy in Tokyo, underscored the growing cultural ties between India and Japan. Ishiba, who formally inaugurated the gathering, also joined participants in performing asanas, underlining yoga’s inclusive and unifying spirit. Accompanying her at the event was Satoko Iwaya, spouse of Japan’s Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, whose presence lent further diplomatic weight to the occasion.
India’s Ambassador to Japan, Sibi George, addressed the assembly and spoke of yoga’s significance in promoting overall well-being. “Yoga fosters physical, mental, and spiritual health, and its importance today cannot be overstated,” he said in his address, which was warmly received by the large crowd gathered at the venue.
The Indian Embassy shared highlights of the celebration on social media platform X, posting, “Glimpses of the 11th International Day of Yoga 2025 in Tokyo. Inaugurated by Madam Yoshiko Ishiba, Spouse of Hon’ble PM of Japan. Occasion was graced by Madam Satoko Iwaya, Spouse of the Hon’ble Foreign Minister. Ambassador @AmbSibiGeorge addressed the gathering of over two thousand yoga enthusiasts. Also, marked by presence of Reverend Myoken Hayama & Reverend Tomohiro Kimura of Tsukiji Hongwanji, Spouse of Ambassador Madam Joice Sibi, senior government officials, Resident Ambassadors and diplomats and friends of India in Japan."
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Representatives from the diplomatic community, including resident ambassadors, senior bureaucrats, and revered monks such as Reverend Myoken Hayama and Reverend Tomohiro Kimura of the historic Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple, were present, highlighting yoga’s spiritual and cross-cultural appeal.
This year’s global theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” aimed to draw attention to the interconnection between individual well-being and planetary health, a message particularly resonant amid rising global awareness of environmental and lifestyle issues. The observance was part of a coordinated international effort led by India, which has positioned yoga as a cornerstone of its soft diplomacy.
The United Nations General Assembly had in 2014 formally adopted the resolution to recognise 21 June as International Day of Yoga, following a proposal by India that was co-sponsored by a record 175 countries.
In India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led celebrations along the Visakhapatnam coastline, with naval ships adding a ceremonial flourish. He described yoga as a timeless gift that “transcends all boundaries and unites humanity in health and harmony,” emphasising its accessibility “beyond age”.
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