Tokyo may be the most populous city in the world, filled with skyscrapers, frenetic crowds and packed subways, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get away from all that hustle and bustle. There are ways you can spend a peaceful and quiet afternoon, like taking part in a Zen breathing workshop.
The Zen Kokyu (‘kokyu’ means ‘breathing’ in Japanese) workshop is held in English. Led by Yuki Shiina, the two hour-long session will take you through breathing techniques to help improve your posture and mental clarity. Yuki’s Zen breathing methods are adopted from the teachings of influential priest and artist Hakuin Ehaku, who was known as a Zen master during the Edo period (1603-1867).
This relaxing workshop starts by purifying the air with natural incense. There’s also a quick round of introductions among the participants.
You’ll be instructed to put one palm on your chest and the other on your stomach so that you’re conscious of where you’re breathing from.
After that, Yuki will analyse your posture by comparing it to the ideal posture. She’ll then discuss how you can fix it with breathing exercises.
You’ll be given a bamboo pole to roll under your arms, neck, back, hips and ankles. This will help loosen up your muscles.
After the warm up, it’s time to get into the breathing exercises. Here you’ll be asked to lay on your back and focus on breathing through your nose.
During this time, it can be tempting to take a nap, especially with the calming music in the background. But Yuki will check on you to make sure you’re mindful and focussing on your breathing technique.
Once you’re rejuvenated, you’ll proceed to learn how to fix your posture. There are several practices you can incorporate into your daily life. The key is to tuck in your sacrum bone, tuck in your rib cage, and centre your head.
The class ends with another breathing exercise. This time you’ll place your hands at the bottom of your ribcage to make sure it makes minimal movement. This is to ensure that you’re breathing with your stomach.
To finish off, you’ll enjoy a cup of matcha and wagashi (traditional Japanese confectionery) over conversations with Yuki and your fellow workshop attendees.
A Zen Kokyu session with Yuki costs ¥6,000 per person, which you can book online. Currently, she’s also currently offering workshops at Tohaku Chakan for ¥5,000; it includes an admission ticket to Tokyo National Museum as well.
Visit the Zen Kokyu website for more information.
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