Kumiko Mack
Kumiko Mack is the owner of Be Yoga Japan. As the foremost teacher of ISHTA Yoga in Japan, she leads both 200 and 500 hour instructor training courses that are registered with the Yoga Alliance, in addition to giving a wide variety of workshops. A resident of New York since 1987, Kumiko continues to study Tantra under her teacher, Alan Finger, founder of ISHTA Yoga, and was bestowed the title of Yogiraj from Alan in 2011.
English Regular Class Instructors
The following teachers hold regular classes in English.
Kazuko Okuno (Kaz)
For inquiries please email at
Kaz was introduced to the wonderful world of yoga in high school – due to scoliosis, a curvature in her spine. At the time, long before yoga became popular, she took a class with senior citizens practicing postures to help her back. Soon, she noticed other benefits both physical and mental and since then has practiced Iyengar, Pre and Post Natal Yoga, Yoga for Scoliosis and other Hatha styles. Kaz has always enjoyed being physically active but really appreciates the mental calm and the physical energy that yoga practice provides Yoga remains the one constant in her life and she is so happy and eager to share this wonderful practice with you.
Danielle Millet
Amid the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, it was on a yoga mat that Danielle found infinite peace to her surprise. Since then Yoga has been one of her burning passions. It gives her a sense of connection between mind and body that she had sought for so long. After several years of practicing yoga, she developed a strong desire to deepen her knowledge on yoga – its history, philosophy and how to teach it integrating the various postures into a course of lessons. This led her to become a trained teacher of yoga in 2007. – “Gently delve deep into yourself, become attuned and live in the moment that is what you are invited to experience.”
Laura Huizi
Like so many others, Laura was introduced to yoga through an injury. However, she was surprised to find not only healing, but also grace and freedom on the mat, as well. Fueled by passion and curiosity, she studied a range of yogic traditions over the next 20 years, including Jivamukti, Ashtanga, Iyengar, and ISHTA yoga.
Ever a student, Laura decided to deepen and expand the scope of her practice by studying to be a teacher. As a teacher, her classes seek to cultivate a balance between breath, intention, and movement as inspired by the words of B.K.S. Iyengar: “Yoga is like music: the rhythm of the body, the melody of the mind, and the harmony of the soul create the symphony of life.” Let’s dance.
She is eternally grateful for the guidance and generosity of her teachers—Sharon Gannon, David Life, Kumiko Mack, and Meg McCreery—and the inspiration and patience of her family, friends, and students.
Emi Smith
- Certified Advanced ISHTA Yoga Instructor (RYT500)
- Certified ISHTA Yoga Maternity Yoga Instructor
- Certified ISHTA Yoga Restorative Yoga Instructor
Born and raised in Tokyo, Emi was first introduced to Yoga in early 90’s while studying at college in the United States. During this challenging period of cultural adjustment, it was Yoga that eased her anxiety and helped her find peace with her own identity. Yoga restored and strengthened her body after giving birth to her two children and helped her cope with the stress of becoming a mother. Never a fan of exercise, Emi was able to stick with yoga at her own pace throughout the years. She loves the way yoga helps her find mind/body balance and peace within. Upon moving back to Japan in 2012 with her family, Emi discovered ISHTA Yoga and felt truly aligned with the lineage’s individualized approach and its integration of Hatha, Tantra and Ayurveda. She completed 200-hour Teacher Training in 2014 and also 500-hour Advanced Teacher Training in 2018 under Kumiko Mack. She enjoys sharing her love of yoga with others and continuing her yoga journey.
Emi is offering private yoga lessons (English/Japanese) in Hiroo/Azabu area. Please email her directly for inquiry –
Anna Helly
For inquiries please email at
Anna first started yoga during her pregnancy in 2009 which greatly reduced her lower back pain. She practiced Pilates for several years after giving birth.
In 2017, Anna moved to Tokyo. This was her 3rd expatriation and she felt the need to relax, slow her pace down and found she was able to do this on her yoga mat.
Practicing ISHTA yoga has had many physical and mental benefits – Anna learned to follow her breath and to appreciate living in the moment. She wanted to deepen her knowledge of yoga and in 2018 she graduated from the 200 hour teacher training program under Kumiko Mack.
Anna is grateful that she can share her love of yoga with others. She especially loves ISHTA’s focus on the individual. She is looking forward to continuing this life long journey with yoga.
Kathrin Joost
Kathrin initially came across yoga due to an injury. She passionately loved gymnastics and other high intensity sports but realized that she needed to let them go as a result of her injury and recovery.
Eventually, Kathrin made her way back on a yoga mat and appreciated the great relief to finding balance in her life especially after becoming a mom.
Kathrin moved to Tokyo in 2015 and started practicing yoga regularly. She found subtle yet positive changes in her life both physically and mentally. She was able to slow down her busy life and at the same time found renewed energy from her yoga practice.
Kathrin completed the 200 hour teacher training at Be Yoga in 2018. She is inspired and motivated by her teachers at Be Yoga. She is very excited to continue her yoga journey and share her passion for yoga with all students!
Japanese Regular Class Instructors
The following teachers hold regular classes in Japanese.
Chiharu Ueyama
- Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher
- Certified ISHTA Yoga Instructor (E-RYT500)
- Stott Pilates Certified Instructor
- Instructor Training Course Senior Teacher
In 1985, Chiharu got her start in the world of fitness as an aerobics instructor. While working as an instructor at a sports club in 1992, she broadened her knowledge of fitness by extensively studying a wide range of techniques and approaches. She is well versed in areas such as aerobic exercise, resistance training, water aerobics, stretching, yoga, reflexology, and PNF stretching. Using her knowledge and experience, she has worked in Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya as a chief training instructor, and as part of a program development and planning group creating new exercise programs and training instructors. In 2002, she began working independently in Tokyo.
Chiharu says,
“While studying about the structure of the human body, working, and teaching, I realized I wanted to continue teaching and to continue expanding my knowledge. That desire is realized in yoga and pilates. Currently I teach private yoga and pilates lessons, yoga group lessons, and conduct yoga instructor training. Yoga’s biggest appeal for me is the breath control and meditation techniques. What I particularly like about ISHTA Yoga is the way it combines your physical body, breathing techniques, and meditation to allow you to experience your body, mind and spirituality in different ways. I think it is important to conduct classes using simple, easy-to-understand language. I am looking forward to meeting you!”
Junko Saegusa
- Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher
- Certified ISHTA Yoga Instructor (E-RYT500)
- Teacher Training Course Senior Instructor
- Maternity Yoga Teacher Training Course Instructor
Drawn to the study of Psychology in college, Junko learned that there are all kinds of different people in this world. Although wanting to delve further into studying psychology, she found it hard to face her own inner world and feelings. Junko began to feel burdened by psychology. At this time, she took an aerobics class and really enjoyed moving her body, working up a sweat to clear her mind and decided to become an instructor. She also happened to take a yoga class at this time. Junko found much comfort in how yoga deals with and releases both the body and the mind.
Junko learned ISHTA Yoga’s individualized approach with Kumiko Mack. Through asana, pranayama and meditation, she started to face her innermost self, something she was unable to do before.
In her classes, Junko tries to bring her own experiences, both physical and mental, keeping within the ISHTA framework. Yoga has taught Junko that although she may feel a range of emotions, like anger and sadness, deep within her lies a calm and stable core. From yoga she learned that everything happens for a reason, to let nature take its course, and to savor whatever experiences life has to offer.
Junko become a mother in 2009. This brought many changes in her life both during pregnancy and after raising a young child. Now more than ever, she cherishes the offerings of yoga. She also enjoys teaching prenatal and postnatal yoga.
Website: https://www.junkoyoga.com (in Japanese)
Kazue Aoki
- Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher
- Certified ISHTA Yoga Instructor (E-RYT500)
- Certified ISHTA Yoga Maternity Yoga Instructor
- Certified ISHTA Yoga Restorative Yoga Instructor
- Teacher Training Course: Senior Teacher
- Mastered Level 1~4 Thai Massage at Chiengmai, Thailand
- Completed Alchemy・Crystal Bowl Course
She always wanted to be a teacher of “something”. She even has an experience of working in Australia as a diving instructor in her twenties. She likes to visit places like Australia, Bali island, Hawai and Thai etc. where one can enjoy both yoga and the ocean.
She always feels grateful for being able to do yoga and teach yoga with relaxing music in a good environment.
Tomoko Kobayashi
- Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher
- Certified ISHTA Yoga Instructor (E-RYT500)
- Certified ISHTA Yoga Maternity Yoga Instructor
- Certified ISHTA Yoga Restorative Yoga Instructor
- Teacher Training Course Senior Instructor
Tomoko worked as aerobics instructor for more than 15 years, and was a professional athlete for 10 years. She tried many sorts of trainings to improve her body strength and capability, one of them was yoga. She discovered a deep stillness inside her that she couldn’t find in any other trainings, and felt in love with the energy and deepness of yoga. Tomoko wants to share the teaching of ISHTA Yoga that takes care of the individual.
Saki Maruyama
- Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher
- Certified ISHTA Yoga Instructor (E-RYT500)
- Certified ISHTA Yoga Maternity Yoga Instructor
- Teacher Training Course Assistant Instructor
- Outdoor Sports Academy Part-time Yoga Instructor
Saki started Yoga encountering ISHTA Yoga that respect one’s individuality, and she has been learning ISHTAYoga under Kumiko Mack. Now she teaches both at her hometown Nagano Iiyama where is surrounded beautiful scenery and be yoga in Tokyo. She appreciates to share the gift of grace in yoga with people.
Ayumi Kera
- Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher
- Certified ISHTA Yoga Instructor (E-RYT500)
- Certified ISHTA Yoga Maternity Yoga Instructor
- Certified ISHTA Yoga Restorative Yoga Instructor
In 2009, Ayumi finished the 200 hour teacher training course and completed the 500 hour in 2011. Her favourite hobbies are surfing and playing golf. She enjoys riding the calming waves of the ocean and playing golf, but most importantly, loves to relax by floating on the rich ocean and listening to the calming sounds of the forest. When she started learning ISHTA Yoga, she felt the same sensation. When concentrating on her breathing while moving on the yoga mat or when calmingly sitting with eyes closed, she felt the very importance of openness, comfort and happiness that can be missing from our busy lives. She hopes to share this sensation of yoga to those living in the busy and stressful areas of the crowded city.
Mari Yoshimura
Mari started yoga in her 20’s at a fitness club and soon after decided to become an instructor.
She came across ISHTA yoga and was immediately drawn to the individualized approach of the lineage and got her RYT200 at Be Yoga.
Mari currently teaches yoga within Tokyo and at the same time is enjoying learning from her teaching.
Yoga has helped her bring balance to her very busy life and she hopes to share her joy with her students.
Aiko Imai
Aiko was introduced to yoga when she was searching for a way to control her emotions which at times was up and down. ISHTA yoga taught her to not judge or compare others. This made it possible to accept herself and to feel more content and at peace.
This sense of comfort and healing from her practice was a profound experience and turned out to be what Aiko was searching for. She is hoping for others to also feel this inner peace which she has discovered through yoga.
