Ayano Kikuchi: ‘People need to take care of themselves holistically'
After years in a corporate Tokyo job, Ayano Kikuchi relocated to Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture, in 2020 to manage the town's only year-round yoga studio, W Tree House. Now 37, she has found both healing and purpose in this endeavor.
1. What inspired your family to open a yoga studio in Karuizawa? My mother and I used to organize monthly dinner parties in Tokyo, and we wanted to foster a similar community in Karuizawa. She founded W Tree House in 2018, a space immersed in nature where people can breathe and connect with their core selves while gathering with others.
2. What was your background before managing the studio? I used to be what we call an 'office lady' in Tokyo, with a regular nine-to-five job in the travel industry. I felt a lack of excitement and challenges. Before that, I had spent my youth between London, where I studied, and Tokyo, where my family was.
3. What initially drew you to yoga? I have suffered from chronic back pain since I was a teenager, probably due to frequent flying. One day my mother suggested I try yoga to alleviate the pain, and it ended up helping a lot.
4. How would you describe the significance of yoga in your life? Yoga saved me when I developed a debilitating herniated disk in my back in 2020 due to pandemic-induced stress. With no physical therapy options in Karuizawa during the COVID-19 crisis, I only had yoga to restore my body post-hospitalization. I wanted to share what I learned with other people going through similar experiences.
5. What was the transition like from your previous career? After more than a year of juggling my full-time job in Tokyo and my business in Karuizawa, I was close to burning out. Around the same time, our housekeeper, who'd raised me since birth, was diagnosed with cancer. And my mother became unable to take care of herself due to poor health. So I decided to quit my job in Tokyo and live in Karuizawa full-time to care for my family, our business and myself.
6. How was the shift from working in a Tokyo office to owning a local business? Being in Karuizawa reconnected my mind to my body and I learned how to be responsible for myself. Karuizawa has this nice, slow pace. It's not rushed like Tokyo.
7. What was your yoga journey like? I started practicing in 2014, and finished my teacher certification training back in 2020. I also completed specific training on restorative yoga, facia release yoga, yoga nidra and pain care yoga. Additionally, I have attended the Educate Movement Institute to deepen my knowledge of human anatomy.
8. What does your studio contribute to Karuizawa? The community is very diverse and our studio caters to that through its varied course offerings: ashtanga, hatha, bhakti, power yoga, aroma yoga and so on.
9. What principles underpin the philosophy of your yoga studio? The main aim of the studio is to create a welcoming and judgment-free atmosphere. People need to take care of themselves holistically, not just medically. It's not just about the body, it's also about the heart.
10. What comments do you typically receive from customers? They often say the place is warm and relaxing. They love this quiet space surrounded by nature.
11. How does your studio stand out compared to others in Japan? W Tree House aims to be as welcoming as possible, while studios in Tokyo often focus on performance. People rarely talk to each other there.
12. What led you to choose W Tree House as the name for your yoga studio? My mother named the yoga studio after her former company, Double V, which is how the letter 'w' is literally called in French. It encompasses the idea of duality in life, of yin and yang. That's why our logo is two trees of opposite colors growing in opposite directions.
After working full-time in Tokyo in the travel industry, Ayano Kikuchi found healing and purpose in overseeing the yoga studio that her mother founded in 2018. |
Aaya Sakaguchi
13. What do you enjoy the most about Karuizawa? I love the peaceful nature. The quiet environment helps me think clearly. Even in the dark and cold winter, there's something comforting about the atmosphere that reminds me of the U.K. I appreciate getting fresh food directly from local farmers and the genuine community spirit. In Tokyo, despite having friends around, I always felt strangely lonely. Here in Karuizawa, I can finally relax and be myself.
14. What has been the biggest challenge you've faced so far? The constant mobility of people has been the biggest challenge, which goes for staff as well as clients. Karuizawa, unlike Tokyo, is a stepping stone to other places for some people. It's hard to say goodbye to clients and staff after spending so much time together.
15. What unique challenges come with operating a business in Karuizawa? There is a low and a high season in Karuizawa. In the summer, most visitors are from big cities; for the rest of the year, our regular customers are locals. These two groups alternate during the year, which makes for quite a unique context.
16. How has the community responded to your studio? People were keen but also skeptical. Some thought it was a kind of cult. So we were careful not to give out the wrong image and focused on the sports aspect of yoga rather than the spiritual side.
17. Do you provide classes for non-Japanese speakers? We do offer English classes! For now, we have one English-speaking yoga class and we're looking into starting a pilates class in English.
18. What personal goals are you pursuing next? I'm interested in learning more about how physical health can be impacted by stress and how to provide holistic care.
19. What does your dream yoga studio look like? My dream yoga studio is huge and international! It's a big building with boarding houses, good food and cafes, where instructors, trainees and students meet. Like a yoga Disneyland with areas for practice, pilates machines and places to unwind.
20. What is your advice for people wanting to open a business in the countryside? Make sure you know the location at all seasons before starting a business in rural Japan, as there might be huge differences from one season to another. And be patient as things might be slower. Also, you need to take part in the local community — not just create a new one.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Mainichi
11 hours ago
- The Mainichi
Osaka Expo organizers set up task force over legionella outbreak at venue sites
OSAKA -- The hosting organization for the ongoing Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai established a task force on June 10 to respond to the detection of legionella bacteria in excess of guideline levels inside the event's venue. The Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition announced the creation of a water quality management task force the next day. Legionella bacteria have been found in the Water Plaza and a recreational water facility in the Forest of Tranquility area at the site on Yumeshima in Osaka's Konohana Ward. Following advice from the Osaka municipal public health center, the fountain at the Water Plaza was shut down and daytime and evening water shows were suspended. Measures including water drainage were also taken in the Forest of Tranquility area. However, the lateness and other aspects of both the announcement and response have drawn criticism. According to the association, the task force is led by Secretary General Hiroyuki Ishige and comprised of relevant department chiefs. Its goal is to organize the issues and promptly hold meetings to address the situation. The Expo association has also set up a task force to deal with a mass outbreak of chironomids, or non-biting midges -- winged insects that resemble mosquitoes.
Japan Times
13 hours ago
- Japan Times
No rest, no gain: Novak Djokovic's go-to tools for a mind and body reset
Novak Djokovic clearly takes tennis very seriously. The results speak for themselves: 24 Grand Slam titles, 40 ATP Masters 1000 trophies, seven year-end championships, and an Olympic gold medal. Especially now that he's in the twilight of his career, he also takes rest and recovery seriously. Over his two decades at the top of the sport, the 38-year-old Serb has filled his personal toolbox with practices that help him become the best version of himself physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. And now, Japan residents with deep pockets have a chance to replicate his wellness and longevity routines. Djokovic, currently the world's No. 5 ranked men's singles player, has expanded his focus on health by partnering with Aman Resorts to design wellness retreats at seven of its locations around the world, including Tokyo. In an email response to The Japan Times, Djokovic described what those checking into the Aman hotel, which occupies the 33rd to 38th floors of the 200 meter-high Otemachi Tower, can expect to get out of his detoxification programs, which guests can personalize according to their preferences. 'My hope is that guests to Aman Tokyo will leave feeling more connected — to themselves, to nature, and to their inner vitality,' he said. Rather than promising quick fixes, these three-day programs — priced at a steep ¥271,000 not including the room — reflect a more nuanced view of well-being, inspired by Djokovic's own holistic approach to performance and recovery. The programs incorporate Japanese wellness philosophies, including activities like monk-led meditation and chanting. A 150-minute spa treatment, juice cleanse and poolside sound bath are also on the menu. Djokovic claims these are his tried and tested methods of relaxation, and it's hard to argue with his success on the court. 'Japan holds a special place in my heart,' he says. 'I have deep respect for the Japanese culture, the discipline, and the attention to detail in every aspect of life. The harmony between tradition and modernity in Japan is inspiring. Playing in Japan, especially at the Tokyo Olympics, was a memorable moment for me, and I hope to play in Japan again soon.' Djokovic is renowned for his meticulous health regimen but has been the source of controversy in the past for rejecting mainstream medical advice, including the COVID-19 vaccine. That stance caused him to miss several high-profile tournaments during the pandemic, including the Australian Open and U.S. Open in 2022. Djokovic starts his day with a glass of warm water and lemon, followed by two spoonfuls of Manuka honey. He drinks superfood smoothies and avoids coffee. He uses saunas and ice baths. He also prays, inhales essential oils, swims in the sea and even hugs trees. In 2025, it's more common to see athletes talking about the importance of mental recovery. Yoga and breathing exercises have become regular additions to training routines for both men and women in sport. But Djokovic discovered wellness long before it was trendy. Djokovic says his tried and tested methods of relaxation include poolside sound baths, which feature on the menu in Aman's new programs. | Aman Tokyo Djokovic left the Tokyo Olympics empty-handed after losing the bronze medal match in singles and pulling out of mixed doubles. But he captured his first Olympic gold in Paris last summer , becoming only the third man to complete a career Golden Slam — winning all four Grand Slams and an Olympic gold in singles. For the seven-time Wimbledon champion, also a husband and father, wellness goes far beyond the physical realm. His book 'Serve To Win,' which came out in Japanese in 2015 and sold over 150,000 copies, is mostly about his gluten-free diet, but Djokovic makes it clear that food is only part of the health equation. 'It's a comprehensive daily routine that includes mental health, nutrition, and self-awareness. Staying competitive at the highest level for so long has required me to cultivate resilience, mindfulness, and balance,' he said. 'Off the court, I dedicate time to practices such as meditation, clean nutrition, and recovery routines that nourish both body and mind. This philosophy has supported my performance on the court and off the court in my personal and professional life.' The World Health Organization constitution states: 'Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.' Tatsuya Yamaguchi, a sports psychiatrist at Japan High Performance Sport Center and one of four mental health welfare officers who traveled to Paris as part of the Japan Olympic delegation , agrees that being healthy isn't just about looking after your body and staying free from illness. 'A holistic approach to health and wellness offers numerous benefits by addressing the whole person rather than just physical symptoms. When athletes get injured, they all feel and respond to pain differently because their emotions can affect how they experience pain. Providing relief from emotional pain can potentially reduce physical pain,' Yamaguchi said. Yamaguchi said the athlete handbook produced by his center defines 'intelligent' athletes as those that often excel in three areas: self regulation, adaptability and resilience. He explains that emotional intelligence skills are what sets top performers apart from the rest of the pack, and Djokovic's secret weapon is his brainpower. 'You could say Djokovic is practicing mindfulness meditation, which has been shown to enhance athletic performance. Studies indicate that it reduces activity in the brain's default mode network (DMN) and allows your mental engine to cool down. Mindfulness can help with anxiety and depression caused by an overactive DMN. It's a powerful tool for personal and professional growth.' Even a hyper-dedicated athlete like Djokovic knows you're not meant to work 24/7. And if you're not sleeping adequately, eating with intention and minimizing stress, peak athletic performance isn't possible — it isn't just about physical prowess, but deeply tied to overall health and well-being. 'Competing at the highest level for years has taught me that self-care isn't optional, it's foundational,' said Djokovic, who broke onto the scene in 2003 as a skinny teen from a war-torn country and is now considered by many to be the greatest tennis player of all time. 'The pressures of performance and the emotional toll of competition require athletes to be proactive about their well-being. From my personal experience, prioritizing mental clarity, physical restoration, and emotional balance allows us to not only perform better but to sustain our careers and personal fulfillment over time.'
Japan Times
19 hours ago
- Japan Times
So long, gateball. Japan's seniors are ready to work those core muscles.
There was a time when the sound of plastic balls clacking through the park meant Japan's older generation was getting its daily dose of gateball — a croquet-adjacent sport that peaked in the 1990s with nearly 2 million players. These days? Not so much. The Japan Gateball Union is down to just 35,000 registered members from a peak of 680,000. There are a few reasons for the decline: hierarchical team structures, personal politics within the community and the activity's general reputation — gateball is now seen as being one step away from a shuffleboard tournament on a cruise ship. The shift isn't just cultural; it's also policy-driven. The Japanese government has been pushing a ' healthy lifespan ,' a reference to not just how long people live but how long they can live well independently. The current Japanese healthy lifespan stands at a record high of 72.57 for men and 75.45 for women , with both groups having 10 more years of life after that. The goal is to get those numbers above 75 for everyone by 2040. As a result, fitness clubs in Japan now report a growing older clientele. Renaissance, one of the country's largest chains, says that over-60s make up 35% of its membership. That's not just retirees getting in a walk on the treadmill — a lot of them are signing up for Pilates classes. Once the domain of Instagram models and wellness influencers, Pilates is gaining in popularity as the go-to workout for seniors. In just a few years, the number of studios has nearly tripled across Japan, from 600 to more than 1,700 . Some credit the surge to pro athletes — for instance, Japan's national rugby squad are reportedly fans — but others point to a much more relatable force: lower back pain. Originally developed to rehabilitate injured veterans, Pilates uses slow, controlled movements to build strength around the spine and pelvis. That turns out to be good for rugby players and grandmothers. Reformers — those intimidating bed-shaped machines with springs and straps — help users build stability without overexertion. And for those not looking to splurge on ¥10,000 private sessions, plenty of gyms now offer affordable mat classes or even leave basic equipment out for DIY workouts. (Yes, unattended reformers are a thing. No, experts don't recommend it.) Pilates reformers are increasingly found in unstaffed gyms, but experts say older people should use them with supervision. | GETTY IMAGES One of the fastest-growing chains, Zen Place, reports that about half of its clientele is aged 50 or older, while people over 60 make up 30-40% of that number. Another chain, Urban Classic Pilates, caters to those in their 60s, 70s and 80s with discounted sign-up fees and 30-minute circuit sessions. These users might not be posting side-split selfies on Instagram, but many say they feel better than they have in years. That includes a man in his 90s who started Pilates at Zen Place over a decade ago after receiving a trial lesson for Father's Day. There's some science behind the reported benefits. Research shows that Pilates is effective in improving bone density, sleep quality and mental health while also reducing pain for people with chronic lower back issues. In her book 'Athlete Pilates,' conditioning trainer Emi Motohashi writes that 'Pilates helps improve balance and body function by strengthening and learning to control the deep core muscles around the spine and pelvis.' That means fewer falls, fewer aches and more independence. In Kodaira, Tokyo, the exercise has even gone municipal. In May, the city's first senior-specific Pilates workshop drew more than 80 applicants for just 11 spots, with winners chosen by lottery. Now, those lucky few are already plotting how to continue as a regular group once the eight-week course ends. Not everything about the trend is perfect. Experts like Motohashi caution against unsupervised use of machines, which can be ineffective (or even dangerous) if form and breath aren't properly guided. And not all studios are created equal. Some push glowing Google reviews from clients, while others skimp on space or lack equipment like Cadillacs and ladder barrels. With the right instructor and a few supportive props, however, the practice is highly adaptable. Motohashi recommends seniors keep things slow, separating reps and using assisting tools like small Pilates balls and ropes to support movement. It's also better to have a professional handy to take note of any discomfort and observe form so as to avoid injuries. As a longtime yoga enthusiast and Pilates newbie, I've found it quietly thrilling to watch my fellow gym buddies — many decades older than me — nailing core holds and smiling through the stretch. Pilates founder Joseph Pilates once promised, 'In 10 sessions you'll feel the difference, in 20 you'll see the difference, and in 30 you'll have a whole new body.' Japan's elderly may not get entirely new bodies, but a few more years in good health is something all of us can feel grateful for.
