The Summer Solstice occurs every year on 21st of June, and it is known as the longest day of the year. On this day, the world celebrates International Day of Yoga, and GIIS Tokyo participated in this mindful celebration.

Like every year, yoga-themed Activities preceded The International Day of Yoga Celebration. 

One of the yoga-themed activities was “Creative Yoga Bookmarks”.

At GIIS Tokyo, this activity has become an amazing tradition in celebrating Yoga Day. This activity integrates Art with Yoga to highlight the importance of Yoga Day and to develop creativity in students.

The students expressed their attitude toward yoga by designing and colouring the bookmarks under the guidance of the Art teacher, Ms Lavanya Menon.

Another yoga-themed activity that was held at Nishi Kasai was “Yoga Famous Gurus”. The “Yoga Famous Gurus” activity was held for the first time in the history of the school, in which students from Gr. 3 to Gr.9 participated, enthusiastically.

The activity was carried out for 10 days before 21st June, during school hours in CCT time.

Each day was dedicated to one Famous Yoga Guru. Every student prepared a short speech supported by a photo of the Guru and presented it to the class. This activity encouraged students to enlarge their knowledge about the history of Yoga and encouraged them to stay curious about the subject.

On the International Day of Yoga, held on 21st June, GIIS Nishi Kasai students along with teachers and staff set out to the Stadium for the grand celebration.

Despite the summer heat, about 130 parents from all 4 campuses (Nishi Kasai, Higashi Kasai, Kita Kasai and SSD) came to the stadium to celebrate Yoga Day together with students.

The IDY program started with inspiring speeches by the Guests of Honour Mr Chiaki Hasunuma and Dr Purnendu Karmakar.

The participants enjoyed a calming Vedic mantra guided by the Nishi Kasai music teacher Ms Gayatri Kulkarni. Students and parents were encouraged to join in to create an awe-inspiring atmosphere of serenity and unity.

After the glorious Vedic Mantra performance, the youngest yogis and yoginis of GIIS - our adorable kindergarten students, showcased an incredible yoga performance, demonstrating elements of Suryanamaskar and Partner Yoga.

Next, we had an extraordinary performance by the Yoga Girls Team from Gr. 9-10. It was a  performance that showcased the expressive side of yoga, combining fluid movement and grace through synchronized motions.

To conclude, a special Yoga Session was conducted by Nishi Kasai Yoga Teacher - Ms Yulia Urratstsa and demonstrated by SSD yoga teacher - Ms Kaori Nakajima. After the Celebration, parents, teachers, students and guests were all wearing lovely smiles, feeling happy, relaxed and energized, with the motivation to celebrate Yoga every day by including it in their everyday routine.

GIIS Tokyo Communications