Photo= Participants pose simultaneously at "1,000-People Yoga" (In front of Heian Jingu Shrine, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto)

Prior to "International Day of Yoga" on June 21 as designated by the United Nations, the "International Day of Yoga Kansai 2017 in Kyoto," an event for people to enjoy yoga, took place along the approach in front of Heian Jingu Shrine in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, and at other locations on June 18. One program event was the"1,000-People Yoga," where one thousand people posed simultaneously. Participants enjoyed a period of calm.

In response to a proposal by Indian Prime Minister Modi, the United Nations adopted "International Day of Yoga" in 2014. The event was held by an executive committee consisting of yoga enthusiasts, following last year's event at Osaka Castle Garden in Osaka City.

A total of 1,296 people participated in "1,000-People Yoga." They slowly repeated a series of movements, such as "sun salutation" in which one's arms are stretched toward the sky, as they controlled their breathing. A company employee from Nakagyo Ward, contentedly said, "I was healed in mind and body. Yoga refreshed me."