"Nanafu's Story" is a story about the passionate people and their efforts, centered around Nanafu's yukata loungewear.
For the first episode, we spoke with YUKIHO, who holds yoga classes that focus on enhancing femininity using yukata loungewear, about how she first encountered yoga, the changes it has undergone, and its appeal.
My encounter with yoga and its appeal
-First of all, could you tell us a little about your background and career?
YUKIHO:
I've always loved talking since I was little, and since my parents were art teachers, I vaguely wanted to become a teacher when I grew up.
I tried dance and music when I was a student, but unfortunately it didn't feel right (laughs).
After graduating from high school, I loved clothes so I worked in the apparel industry and as a bar staff member.
-You used to work in the apparel industry and in a bar, so how did you first encounter yoga?
YUKIHO:
I originally had poor circulation to the body, so I started hot yoga at the recommendation of someone around me. As I continued going, my constitution changed and I began to sweat, and I became addicted to the charms of yoga.
As my physical condition changed, yoga became a part of my life, and when my older sister saw how I was doing, she gave me some advice, which reminded me of my dream of becoming a yoga teacher, so I decided to get qualified.
I have been working as a yoga instructor for seven years now.
At first, I was working as a bar staff member as well (laughs).
-Please tell us what you think is great about yoga.
YUKIHO:
The appeal of yoga is that it is easy to get into and anyone can do it. I don't like intense exercise (laughs), so I like relaxed yoga that even grandmas can do.
Furthermore, the background and roots of yoga are connected to Indian mythology and thought known as "yoga philosophy," which was a major revelation for me.
I am particularly attracted to the fact that it is so directly connected to life, as exploring the relationship between female and male gods can actually bring about major changes in the way you interact with your partner.
-It has a wonderful effect not only on the body but also on the mind!
YUKIHO:
Yes, I think the important point of yoga is to destroy your preconceptions and return to the source of creation.
In Indian mythology, there is a god called "Shiva" who is famous as the "God of Destruction", and there is a story that he told his wife "the most important thing". This is called Hatha Yoga, and his wife passed it on so that it would be passed down to future generations. I am very fascinated by this story.
Yoga to enhance a woman's own beauty and charm
-Thank you. What are the characteristics of the yoga classes that you teach?
YUKIHO:
I teach yoga classes with the concept of "polishing yourself as a woman" (laughs).
It is a relaxed yoga practice suitable for people of all ages, and the emphasis is on freeing the mind through a dance-like sensation.
We also use yukata loungewear and crystal ball musical instruments to help students return to their roots through various senses, such as their own appearance and the sound they hear.
I feel that in modern society, there is a tendency for people to stop expressing femininity or sex appeal as they get older, and I find this very sad.
We teach women that through yoga they can remember that they are beautiful and attractive and also polish their inner selves.
At the end of the class, I give a little massage, and many of the students who participate are moved to tears and say, "I was reminded of the femininity I had forgotten."
I feel that everyone has a desire to express their own femininity and take on challenges in this way.
Yukata loungewear for yoga and daily life
-That's a wonderful initiative. For your yoga classes, you use yukata loungewear as yoga wear. Can you tell us why you chose yukata loungewear?
YUKIHO:
I first learned about yukata loungewear when a friend recommended it to me, saying, "It might suit you."
I had been looking for some clothes suitable for yoga that were feminine, sexy, wrinkle-resistant and easy to care for. I tried some LOHAS dresses, but nothing really suited me.
I love clothes so much that I work as an apparel staff member, but as I approached my mid-30s, I began to find myself with more and more things that I liked but were too cute.
Whether it's everyday wear or yoga wear, I've been thinking, "I want good quality clothes that I can wear for a long time."
That's when I discovered yukata loungewear. Yukata loungewear can be worn in the lounge as well as outside. Above all, it embodies Japanese femininity, elegance and sexiness.
"I wonder if there is a piece of clothing that can bring together an entire lifestyle?"
That's what I was thinking, so when I saw Nanafu's yukata loungewear I was very interested.
-Thank you! What were your impressions after actually using the yukata loungewear?
YUKIHO:
I remember clearly that when I tried on the yukata loungewear, it suited me perfectly.
Since the design is based on traditional Japanese clothing, I was happy to see how my walking style and mannerisms naturally became more elegant.
Above all, when I wear yukata loungewear, I no longer have to worry about what to wear today, and every day feels happy and uplifting (laughs).
Also, when I taught yoga to my students in yukata loungewear, their expressions and reactions clearly changed, and they naturally adopted more beautiful manners.
I particularly like the way I adjust the hem of a garment, and some of my students watch and try to imitate it.
And the person who liked the yukata loungewear the most was actually my partner. He says it looks great and always gives me great compliments (laughs).
It looks great when worn together with your partner, and the concept of the relationship between men and women fits perfectly, so yukata loungewear has become my lifewear.
Yukata loungewear actually highlights the parts of women that you don't like, and makes Japanese women look very attractive.
I recommend it because it gives you 30% more confidence (laughs).
Future Initiatives
-Thank you very much!
Lastly, please tell us about your thoughts on yoga, your future activities, and your goals.
YUKIHO:
Up until now we have held regular yoga classes, but we are now looking to increase the number of original yoga experiences that use yukata loungewear and crystal balls.
We are also receiving more and more requests for private lessons, so we would like to provide one-on-one care.
Massage after yoga
"I was reminded of an important feeling that I had forgotten."
"I couldn't help but cry."
"Something that had been frozen inside of me was released."
I am very happy to receive such feedback.
I plan to continue creating movements that are different from traditional yoga, liberating femininity and polishing both the inner and outer self.
-YUKIHO , thank you for this wonderful interview!
YUKIHO (Yoga instructor)
With the theme of "liberating femininity," she offers small group, private yoga lessons in her own unique style, which includes the use of crystal balls, mainly in Tokyo.
We received a comment from YUKIHO.
"Through my activities, I wondered if there was some way to express these feelings that I couldn't put into words.
It's okay if no one sees.
It doesn't have to be accepted.
I simply want to express the overwhelming feelings I have for my loved one, so I transform yoga movements into dance.
The moon, the sun, the earth, the sea, plants, nature, and people.
With gratitude and respect in mind, we are slowly creating new forms.
Traditional Japanese clothing, kimono.
We are truly grateful to Nanafu for creating this garment so that anyone can wear it casually and elegantly.
I feel that only Nanafu can express the message I want to convey.
We plan to post photos of the new classroom together with friends who agree with our vision on Instagram soon.
Stay tuned."
*If you are interested in YUKIHO's yoga class, please contact YUKIHO's official yoga class LINE.
