Akira Watamoto is the chairman of the Japan Yoga and Meditation Society and the director of Watamoto Yoga Studio. As a young child he began learning yoga from his father, the late Noboru Watamoto, who was also honorary chairman of the Japan Yoga and Meditation Society. After graduating from Kobe University with a degree in systems engineering, he traveled to India and undertook studies in yoga and ayurveda. After returning to Japan and continuing to study under his father, in 1994 he started to teach yoga. He has also spent time in Los Angeles, New York and London among other places, studying various disciplnes such as hatha yoga, power yoga, Kripalu yoga, Viniyoga, restorative yoga, yin yoga, yoga nidra and chair yoga. In 2003 he opened Japan's first dedicated power yoga studio, the Watamoto Power Yoga Studio. Currently incorporating traditional yoga styles in a complete yoga studio, he continues to teach and also train other teachers. In addition, he works actively to convey the benefits of yoga and further its spread through such windows as publications, television, magazines and other writings. He continually works to find ways to lead those who are interested toward a deeper understanding of yoga.
