Japan's Largest Free Online Yoga Event: 9th 'YOGAWeek 2026 at Yoga Day' Launches on 6/21 (International Day of Yoga)

～ In 2026, the year the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare revised medical department names for the first time in 18 years by adding 'sleep disorders,' the popular event welcomes over 12,000 participants with 'sleep-enhancing yoga' as its core, offering more than 500 classes completely free for two weeks ～

Yoga Town Inc., the operator of Asia's largest yoga event 'Yoga Fest' (Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, CEO: Sato Watanamoto), will host the 9th 'YOGAWeek 2026 at Yoga Day,' a completely free online yoga event open to all, starting June 20, 2026—the day before the United Nations' designated 'International Day of Yoga' on June 21. This year's theme is 'Let Yoga Put Japan to Sleep,' with a significantly expanded program supporting high-quality sleep. Over 500 free online yoga classes led by top yoga instructors from across Japan will be delivered over two weeks.

Official website: https://yogaweek.yogafest.jp/

Background: Sleep Becomes a National Issue in 2026

On June 1, 2026, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare implemented a cabinet order revision to add 'sleep disorders' to the list of medical specialties (designated departments) that healthcare institutions can display on signs and advertisements. This is the first revision of medical specialty names since 2008—exactly 18 years ago. The swift realization of this change, formally requested by the Japanese Society of Sleep Research in April 2025 and achieved within just one year, highlights how serious sleep issues have become.

It is estimated that one in five Japanese people suffers from some form of sleep problem. A 2020 survey across 13 countries found that only 32% of Japanese people were satisfied with their sleep—the lowest rate among all nations. Poor sleep quality affects not only physical and mental health but also productivity and rising healthcare costs, impacting society as a whole.

In this context, yoga's ability to activate the parasympathetic nervous system and balance the autonomic nervous system—thereby improving sleep quality—has been scientifically demonstrated in multiple studies. Deep breathing techniques and meditation have been shown to lower heart rate, stabilize blood pressure, and promote relaxation. 'Yoga for sleep' is now gaining attention as a complementary wellness practice that works alongside medical treatment.

Aligned with the International Day of Yoga (June 21)

The 'International Day of Yoga' was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2014. Held annually on the summer solstice (June 21), the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, it aims to spread the benefits of yoga worldwide, with large-scale yoga events held in over 190 countries each year.

YOGAWeek has been held annually since its first edition in 2018 as Japan's largest online yoga event, aligning with this global movement. Last year, it attracted over 12,000 participants and offered more than 500 classes. The 9th edition in 2026 will feature a program centered on 'better sleep,' leveraging the momentum of the government's revision of medical specialty names.

This Year's Theme: 'Let Yoga Put Japan to Sleep'

CEO Sato Watanamoto has been promoting yoga and meditation for over 20 years. In recent years, he has focused particularly on the relationship between 'sleep and yoga,' and since 2025, YOGAWeek has featured 'better sleep' as a central theme.

In 2026, following the Ministry of Health's official recognition of sleep disorders as a medical specialty, the theme 'Let Yoga Put Japan to Sleep' will further enhance sleep-improvement programs. While medicine handles the 'treatment' domain, yoga serves the 'balancing' domain—delivering self-care tools to improve daily sleep quality. This event embodies that vision.

Program Structure (Over 500 Classes)

Professional yoga instructors from across Japan will lead classes in the following categories:

- Category - Main Classes

- Sleep & Sleep Care (approx. 35%) ※ Significantly expanded this year - Yoga Nidra (yoga of sleep) / Falling-asleep yoga / Restorative yoga / Breathing & meditation / Gentle pre-sleep yoga

- Health & Beauty (approx. 20%) - Body shaping / Posture-improving yoga / Shoulder and back pain relief / Detox flow

- Morning & Energy Yoga (approx. 20%) - Sun Salutation / Morning flow / Mindfulness yoga

- Beginner & Family (approx. 15%) - Yoga for beginners / Senior yoga / Kids yoga / Prenatal yoga

- Style-Based (approx. 10%) - Ashtanga / Iyengar / Vinyasa / Yoga therapy

Recommended For

- Those who have trouble falling asleep or experience light sleep - Those who want to start yoga but don’t know where to begin - Those too busy with work or childcare to visit studios - Those who want to experience popular instructors’ classes from home for free - Those seeking to build self-care habits for mind and body

Event Overview

- Event Name: 9th YOGAWeek 2026 at Yoga Day - Theme: 'Let Yoga Put Japan to Sleep' - Duration: June 20 (Sat) – July 5 (Sun), 2026 [15 days] - Participation Fee: Free (prior registration required) - Delivery Method: Online live streaming via ZOOM - Supported Devices: PC, smartphone, tablet - Number of Classes: Over 500 (live + archive) - Official Website: https://yogaweek.yogafest.jp/

About YOGAWeek

YOGAWeek is a completely free online yoga event derived from 'Yoga Fest,' Asia's largest yoga event. Since its first edition in 2018, it has attracted tens of thousands of participants cumulatively. It provides opportunities for people across Japan to access professional yoga classes anytime, anywhere, continuing to expand the reach of yoga. It is held multiple times a year, aligned with seasonal turning points (spring equinox, Yoga Day, autumn equinox, etc.).

'Yoga, made more freely and more accessible.'

Company Overview

- Company Name: Yoga Town Inc. - CEO: Sato Watanamoto - Address: 3F Sorayasta Bldg., 1-21-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0043 - Business: Planning and operation of yoga events; planning and sales of yoga-related products - Key Business: Operation of 'Yoga Fest' (Asia's largest yoga event) - URL: https://yogafest.jp/

Media Inquiries

- Yoga Town Inc., YOGAWeek Office - Email: yogaweek@yogafest.jp - URL: https://yogaweek.yogafest.jp/