2024 has been a year of incredible growth, innovation, and impact for the Patanjali Japan Foundation (PJF). As a cornerstone for wellness and holistic living in Japan, PJF has continued to inspire individuals, transform communities, and foster connections between Japan and Bharat (India). With every step we’ve taken, our commitment to spreading the ancient wisdom of yoga and Ayurveda has only deepened. Here’s a glimpse into our journey this year:
Pioneering Initiatives and Groundbreaking Projects
This year marked the launch of our original brand, "A Better Lifestyle", featuring handmade yoga rugs and accessories crafted from sustainable materials like banana fiber and vetiver grass. These products have resonated deeply with the public, symbolizing our dedication to eco-friendly practices and ethical living.
We also introduced the Lifestyle Manual, a first-of-its-kind wellness planning tool based on Ayurveda. This service provides personalized lifestyle recommendations, empowering individuals to align their routines with ancient holistic principles.
Our E-Commerce Website, www.patanjali.jp/shop, was launched under the leadership of Raveena, our Brand Leader for A Better Lifestyle. The platform makes it easier for customers to access eco-friendly yoga products and lifestyle tools.
Enriching Communities Through Yoga and Ayurveda
From the serene halls of Komyoji Temple in Tokyo, where in-person yoga sessions resumed, to the tranquil shores of Yamanakako, our yoga programs have brought people closer to inner peace and physical vitality. We collaborated with local communities to organize weekly yoga sessions and large-scale events like the International Yoga Festival, where over 200 participants experienced the power of yoga amidst the majestic backdrop of Mount Fuji.
Our participation in the Toyosu Bosai Festival highlighted yoga’s role in disaster preparedness. Demonstrations on breathing techniques and micro-exercises addressed issues like stress and circulation challenges in evacuation settings, making yoga accessible even during emergencies.
Adiyogi Membership Program: Daily Yoga for All
Our Adiyogi Membership Program has been a cornerstone of accessibility in yoga practice. This subscription model provides members with daily online yoga sessions led by experts in yoga and Ayurveda. Classes are held at 6 PM and 8 PM on weekdays, making it convenient for everyone to participate. The program, priced at 6,980 yen per month (tax excluded), offers an opportunity to connect with a vibrant community and transform lives through consistent practice. Plans are underway to expand the program with additional class timings in 2025. Learn more or join us at www.patanjali.jp/apply.
Expanding Global Reach and Professional Development
At the heart of our mission lies the desire to bridge cultures and elevate yoga education. In 2024, Ashutosh Sensei served as one of the examiners for the Yoga Certification Board (YCB) Examination, conducted by the Yoga Organization of Japan. This rigorous program, owned by the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of Bharat, provides certifications directly issued by the Ministry. To support aspiring practitioners, we launched the YCB Foundation Course, a comprehensive training initiative that prepares candidates for success.
Internationally, our representation at events like the AYUSH Seminar at the Indian Embassy and paper presentations at the Yoga Shastra Sangamam Conference reinforced our role as global ambassadors of yoga and Ayurveda.
Corporate Wellness and Cultural Engagement
Recognizing the growing need for workplace wellness, PJF organized tailored yoga sessions for companies like Jurlique, where employees learned practical techniques to enhance physical and mental well-being. Meanwhile, our active participation in cultural festivals such as Namaste India, the Thai Festival, and YogaFest introduced thousands to the transformative potential of yoga.
Collaborations and Partnerships
2024 was marked by meaningful collaborations that amplified our mission:
Partnership with Jurlique for corporate wellness programs.
Hosting sessions at Prince Park Hotel, engaging diverse participants in wellness activities.
Collaborative promotion of Rakuten Mobile with the Adiyogi Membership Program and International Day of Yoga (IDY).
Collaboration with the Embassy of India for the International Day of Yoga (IDY) at Honwanji Temple.
Partnership with Nippon Travel Agency (NTA) for IDY promotions at the Thai Festival.
Deep collaboration with Yamanakako Village Office, Board of Education, and the Tourism Association for IDY in Yamanakako.
Membership with the Yamanakako Tourism Association, strengthening our connection with the local community.
Partnership with Indian universities to bring Bharatiya youth to Japan for job opportunities.
Success Metrics
Daily Pranayama Yoga Classes: Completed 1,333 consecutive days at 7 AM (over 4 years).
Evening Classes: 239 sessions each at 6 PM and 8 PM.
Special Classes: 64 sessions at 11:45 AM and 36 sessions at 10 AM.
Morning Classes: 278 sessions at 7 AM.
Total Classes in 2024: 856, contributing to a cumulative total of 2,842 weekday classes since inception.
Impacted over 5,000-7,000 yogis since 2020, creating a robust and loyal community.
Significant engagement with local governance: the Yamanakako Mayor joined IDY and collaborated closely with PJF.
Honoring Excellence, Welcoming New Leadership, and Empowering Teachers
We are deeply grateful for the support of our dedicated team, collaborators, and community. This year, we mourned the loss of Dhanashree Date Sensei, a visionary leader whose contributions to PJF and the global yoga community remain unparalleled.
We are also excited to welcome Mitamura-san as our new Director. With a rich background in wellness and a passion for community building, Mitamura-san is set to bring fresh perspectives and energy to PJF's mission.
Our Teacher’s Portal continues to empower yoga instructors by connecting them with opportunities to enhance their careers and reach a broader audience. With a growing network of highly skilled teachers, including Varada Kulkarni, Aman Sensei, Yoko Nogami, Genboku Sensei, and Todo Sensei, the portal is a vital platform for professional growth and knowledge sharing.
In the words of Varada Sensei, the leader of the Teacher’s Team: “Our Teacher’s Portal is not just a tool; it is a platform of empowerment, where yoga teachers are supported, inspired, and provided with opportunities to grow both personally and professionally.”
Monthly Interactive Sessions: Engaging Themes for All
Our Monthly Interactive Sessions continued to be a highlight of 2024, drawing participants from diverse backgrounds to explore yoga’s practical applications for modern life. Each month, these sessions focused on specific themes designed to address the unique challenges faced by individuals and communities, such as:
Stress Management: Techniques to handle work-life pressures.
Women’s Health: Yoga for hormonal balance and vitality.
Children’s Yoga: Fun and engaging practices for mindfulness and concentration.
Corporate Wellness: Specialized sessions to boost workplace productivity and employee well-being.
These sessions were conducted by our expert teachers and often included interactive Q&A segments, enabling participants to gain deeper insights into integrating yoga into their daily routines.
Voices of Our Yogis
Feedback from our yogis has been a source of inspiration and a testament to our impact:
“Practicing yoga in the morning has become a normal part of my day. Without it, I feel incomplete.”
“The breathing exercises have helped me manage my stress levels and feel calmer throughout the day.”
“Thanks to the online sessions, I’ve built a routine that keeps me energized and focused.”
These voices reflect the transformative power of consistent practice and the value of our programs in creating healthier, happier lives.
Meet Our Leaders
Our leaders are the driving force behind PJF’s success:
Ashutosh Singh (Representative Director): Chief Sewa Officer, Stress Management Specialist, and Lead Examiner for the Yoga Certification Board. Winner of the Outstanding Leadership Award at the Health 2.0 Conference, Dubai 2023.
Yumi Kashiwagi (Director): Owner of the "A Better Lifestyle" brand, Health Management Advisor, and a pharmacist with a mission to spread better lifestyle practices.
Makoto Mitamura (Director): COO of Bio Phenoma and leader in disaster support programs, with over 30 years of experience in clinical and life sciences. Winner of the Outstanding Leadership Award at the Health 2.0 Conference, Dubai 202
Varada Kulkarni (Team Leader, Teachers): Yoga Therapist and Fitness Expert, YCB-certified Yoga Teacher, and Evaluator.
Raveena Bhattacharjee (Brand Leader): Leader of "A Better Lifestyle," expert in ballet and contemporary dance, and a passionate advocate for ethical living.
Deepika Singh (Operations Lead): CEO of eSpot Web Solutions and a content writing specialist, contributing to PJF's digital growth.
Special Focus: International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2024
The 10th International Day of Yoga (IDY) was celebrated across four major locations in Japan: Toyota, Yamanakako, Koto-ku, and Nagoya. This event spanned three weeks, from June 2nd to June 22nd, gathering over 400 participants. Highlights include:
Toyota (June 2nd): Collaboration with Toyota International Association. The event included Bharatnatyam dance performances, yoga protocol sessions, and pranayama led by Ashutosh Sensei, followed by speeches on the importance of a yogic routine.
Yamanakako (June 9th): Organized at Communication Plaza Kirara, this event brought together 200+ participants. It featured traditional music, pranayama sessions, and the presence of local dignitaries, including the Mayor of Yamanakako.
Koto-ku (June 16th): Held at Fukagawa Elementary School, this event included live performances, yoga sessions, and a pranayama special yoga session led by Ashutosh Sensei. Councilor Kaname Yoshida’s support highlighted Koto-ku’s commitment to wellness.
Nagoya (June 22nd): Culminated the celebrations with workshops on Dinacharya (daily routine), yoga protocol sessions, and cultural performances. This full-day event emphasized the integration of yoga into daily life.
Special collaborations with the Embassy of India, local government bodies, and community organizations ensured the event’s success. Routine cards offering three months of free yoga classes were distributed, reinforcing the importance of a consistent yoga practice.
Special Projects and Environmental Impact
Lifestyle Manual: A groundbreaking tool for personalized wellness based on Ayurvedic principles.
Yoga Rugs: Handmade using natural, eco-friendly materials, reflecting our commitment to sustainability and the environment.
Research Paper: Presented at an international conference, contributing to the global body of yoga knowledge.
Lecture at Hoshi University: A 90-minute interactive lecture on Pranayama, conducted for university students. The session combined theory with hands-on practice, emphasizing the benefits of breathing techniques for focus, health, and well-being.
Looking Ahead to 2025
The future is brimming with promise. As we step into 2025, our vision expands to include:
Strengthening wellness tourism in Yamanakako, making it a global hub for holistic living.
Introducing innovative programs that integrate modern needs with traditional wisdom.
Expanding outreach to engage even more individuals and communities worldwide.
We invite you to join us on this transformative journey. Together, let’s create a harmonious world where wellness is accessible to all. Whether you are a practitioner seeking personal growth, a collaborator interested in wellness projects, or a supporter who believes in our mission, there is a place for you at Patanjali Japan Foundation.
With exciting initiatives on the horizon, we remain committed to spreading the timeless wisdom of yoga and Ayurveda, creating healthier communities, and fostering global connections.
Message by Ashutosh Sensei
Namaste, Good Morning, Ohayou Gozaimasu, Suprabhat!
A very happy new year to you all! I wish everyone a prosperous and healthy 2025 filled with joy and success.
Reflections on 2024
This past year has been dynamic and transformative. We sowed new seeds for a better lifestyle, and through the tireless efforts of our team, we achieved more than we imagined. Together, we launched the 'A Better Lifestyle' brand, initiated impactful projects, and offered a record 855 yoga classes, bringing our total to 2,840 classes since we began. These milestones reflect the collective dedication and passion of our team.
A Heartfelt Tribute
We mourn the loss of Dhanashree Date Sensei, a foundational pillar of PJF. Her contributions since our journey began with the first International Day of Yoga in 2015 have been immense. Her legacy will forever inspire us.
Gratitude and Achievements
I am deeply grateful to our team—Yumi, Raveena, Varada Sensei, Aman Sensei, Deepika, and all our volunteers—for their unwavering dedication. Your commitment to building a healthier society is truly inspiring. Special thanks to our collaborators, including the Embassy of India, Kaname San, Yamanakako Village, Jurlique, and NPO Veg Project, for trusting us to deliver value in this shared mission.
In 2024, we successfully launched the 'A Better Lifestyle' brand with handmade yoga rugs and our own e-commerce platform. This project connected the hearts of Bharat and Japan, creating a cycle where every stakeholder—makers, sellers, and buyers—experiences happiness.
Breaking the Vicious Cycle
In today’s corporate culture, many suffer from stress, pressure, and unhappiness. At PJF, we aim to break this cycle with the traditional wisdom of Yoga and Ayurveda, fostering joy and well-being at every level of society.
Welcoming New Leadership
We are excited to welcome Mr. Makoto Mitamura as our new director. His extensive experience and vision for health and happiness will undoubtedly add fresh energy to our mission.
Vision for 2025
Looking ahead, we aim to expand our impact by introducing new projects, fostering stronger collaborations, and continuing our journey to achieve zero stress, zero depression, and zero suicide in Japanese society. With Yoga and Ayurveda as our foundation, we believe we can make this vision a reality.
A Call to Unite
To all the yogis who trust us, thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you. Your well-being is our greatest reward. As we step into 2025, let us embark on this holistic journey together. Let us strive for a healthier self, a healthier community, and a healthier society.
Let’s unite and grow. Together, we can create a world of harmony and happiness.
Thank you once again, and a very Happy New Year to you all!
Warm regards,
Ashutosh Singh
Chief Sewa Officer (Representative Director)
一般社団法人Patanjali Japan Foundation
Message by Varada Sensei
This year started with new goal of completing MA in Yogashastra, this study helped me to learn philosophy, naturopathy, pranic healing. I also able to complete my research work on Yoga and modernity in Japan, thank you to all who helped me in this completion. Took the responsibility of Interactive session of Patanjali Japan foundation and trying to improve in that. Helped in preparing document on Yoga Darshana which was presented in Vivekanand Kendra seminar, that also helped me to understand philosophy in deeper way and use in practical life.
It was great to work with Dhanashree sensei as team, able to learn many good things from her. Prayer for her peaceful future journey with all Patanjali Japan foundation team members.
Now as a team leader of Teachers department trying to learn from all teachers and moving on future goal to grow together, thank you Ashutosh sensei for showing faith and giving me responsibility. Learning many good things from Ashutosh sensei and from all team members also.
Did some improvement in regular classes by keeping themes for each day, communicating with teachers weekly that is helping to strengthen bond with all teachers.
Varada Kulkarni
