Daily Archives: May 22, 2012

Sightseeing: Omotesando

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One of my students suggested that I go to Omotesando, Harajuko and Yoyogi Park to look around. I had time after the workshop on Sunday, May 13 to do some sightseeing. The weather was great–no rain—and there was no teacher training that weekend. I spent the entire afternoon there and was pleasantly surprised—Omotesando and its surroundings reminded me of Soho, Tribeca and Paris infused with a distinct Japanese aesthetic. Omotesando is a fashionable neighborhood, with numerous boutiques and cafes highlighting unique architecture, design, clothing,  food and pastries.  I ventured down numerous streets and  never made it to Harajuku or Yoyogi Park that day. But the pictures tell the story–I think my favorite  image of that day would be of the young woman quietly strolling down chic Aoyama wearing a traditional kimono…

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The Translators: Yuri Nakamura

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Yuri Nakamura

People have asked me how can I conduct the classes and teacher  training if I don’t speak Japanese?  The answer to that is an excellent team of translators!  I’m so indebted to them and appreciate their help so much, I thought it would be nice to highlight  each of them individually.  We share the space in the classroom teaching in tandem,  and through this process I’ve gotten to know them on a personal level.  Yuri is translating for the bulk of classes during the week–Wednesday “Yoga Therapeutics” in Gotanda; Thursday  “Level 1/2, Sangenjaya;  & Friday Level, 2/3 in Gotanda. She also translated for the two workshops “Living a Better Life Through Yoga.”  Yuri’s first experience translating was for Eka Ekong (Yogaworks, Los Angeles) who led a  200  Hour training in Tokyo in  2011. She’s also translates for Catlin Casella (YW, New York) when she comes to town.

Yuri is a petite sized “dynamo” whose expressive voice is delightfully uplifting.  She has been teaching yoga for approximately a year and completed her Yogaworks 200hr Teacher Training with Jennie Cohen (YW, New York) and now teaches for YogaPlus in Kichijoji. Yuri graduated from the University of Utah where she majored in Dance & Psychology. These experiences and more are embodied in her elegant presence in the classroom and on the mat.

Me & Yuri, Gotanda, 2012