Even though Yokohama is recognized as a cosmopolitan city, there are few studios that offer yoga classes in English. Well, we have good news for those looking for such a place. Migiwa Yoga offers classes in both English and Japanese conducted by Chami Nagai, an experienced instructor with an international background.
Although Chami was born in Nagano Prefecture, since childhood she has lived in five foreign countries. It has always been her desire to be involved in some form of community service. In her 20s she spent three years in an impoverished area of Cambodia providing educational support. In 2011 after the Tohoku earthquake, she relocated to the area to assist in the delivery of relief supplies and reconstruction efforts. After that, she and her like-minded husband David decided on making Yokohama the place to call home for the next stage of their lives.
Chami got into yoga when she was having trouble sleeping while preparing for her wedding. She found “Bedtime Yoga” videos on Youtube and these helped her relax. She learned how to control her breathing to help her sleep. “Live better. Love” has become Chami’s life motto. Yoga is one of the tools she feels can help people love themselves and others more.
Chami started Migiwa Yoga Space to further this belief. She is officially registered as a yoga instructor by the Yoga Alliance. Her classes are based on the general teachings of yoga and her life experiences. In addition to the asana (poses), she incorporates breathing methods, meditation and relaxation time into her teaching. After lessons, she often visits a neighborhood cafe with participants to strengthen the human connection over coffee.
Classes are held regularly at a rented studio in the Yamate/Negishi area, but Chami also offers private lessons at her home, and on nice days, outdoor lessons at Negishi Forest Park. Participants range from local Japanese to Americans working on base at Yokosuka. “Anyone can do yoga,” says Chami. She strives to provide an environment where all can feel comfortable participating.