Discover India Through Culture, Language, Music, Dance and Yoga
The Vivekananda Cultural Centre (VCC), Embassy of India, Tokyo, offers a variety of courses designed to promote a deeper understanding of India's rich cultural heritage. Through yoga, music, dance, languages and philosophy, VCC provides opportunities for cultural learning and exchange throughout the year.
COURSES OFFERED
• Yoga • Yoga Therapy • Tabla • Kathak Dance and Contemporary Indian Dance • Odissi Dance • Hindi Language • Sanskrit Language • Bhagavad Gita (Indian Philosophy)
WHO CAN JOIN?
VCC courses are open to all individuals interested in learning about Indian culture.
Most courses welcome beginners, while certain classes may require prior experience. Please refer to the course details for specific eligibility requirements.
SEMESTER SCHEDULE
Classes are conducted in two semesters each year:
• January – June • July – December
REGISTRATION
Registration is conducted in person at the Vivekananda Cultural Centre (VCC), Embassy of India, Tokyo.
Applications are accepted during the designated registration period for each semester. Seats are limited and admission is granted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Applicants are advised to carefully review the course information and registration guidelines before applying.
List of Cultural Courses for July – December 2026 Semester
Vivekananda Cultural Centre, Embassy of India, Tokyo
Yoga
Ms. Kalpana
(AYUSH Certfication)
Teacher’s Comments: Yoga is the science of right living. It teaches us how to lead a balanced life. It is the key to a balanced mind, healthty body, noble thoughts and connects us to our inner self.
*Please select one of the above classes (A Class to O Class). As a general rule, you cannot register for multiple different classes in the same semester.
* As a general rule, classes are taught in English.
* Instructor and class schedule subject to change.
* All classes will be conducted on physical basis.
* Students who have completed 1 or more semesters of VCC Yoga classes in the past are eligible to enrol in the Advanced classes. First time students at VCC are eligible to enrol in the Beginners and Intermediate classes, regardless of previous experience.
Yoga Therapy
Ms. Kalpana
(AYUSH Certfication)
Teacher’s Comments: Yoga therapy is the process of empowering individuals to progress toward improved health and well-being through the application of the teachings and practices of Yoga. Sessions may include Shatkarmas (Internal cleansing practices), asanas, pranayamas, mudras, bandhas, meditation, relaxation techniques, naturopathy, home remedies etc. to prevent or cure different types of physical, mental, emotional and psychic problems.
Sanskrit Language
Ms. Kalpana
Teacher’s Comments: The Sanskrit language includes a vast treasure trove of wisdom. Following which one can specialize in subjects like Yoga, Vastu Shastra, Poetics, Indian Drama, Vedic Studies, Astrology, Ayurveda and Indian culture. The class will focus on basics of Sanskrit language along with its applications in reading Indian texts.
Hindi Language
Ms. Kalpana
Teacher’s Comments: The ability to speak and understand Hindi increases the opportunity of enjoying Indian culture and history.Multinational companies have been opening their offices in India and they encourage their officials to learn Hindi for better business results and connection with their Indian clients. The huge popularity of Hindi films abroad is also promoting the Hindi language. The class will focus on basic understanding of speaking, reading and writing of Hindi.
Tabla
Mr. Shigeru Moriyama
Teacher’s Comments: The Tabla is often considered the most difficult drum to learn, but the VCC tabla classes are made for beginners. First, we learn how to make sounds then slowly practice patterns. Many of our students are learning music for the first time. Once you learn the basics, we also offer intermediate classes.
Odissi
Ms. Kazuko Yasunobu
Teacher’s Comments: Odissi is a graceful dance form that looks as if Indian classical sculptures have come to life. It has been performed throughout temples in Odisha in east India. Bodily movements and intricate gestures are used to portray stories, express joy and give thanks. Beginners are welcome.
Kathak & Contemporary Dance
Ms. Atsuko Maeda
Teacher’s Comments: This is a Kathak Dance course for beginners. You can learn Lucknow gharana style of Kathak techniques: Tatkar, Hasta, Chakar and more. Let's dance beautiful Kathak items together!
Comtemporary Dance class features Kathak based semi classical songs from beautiful Indian movies. You can refresh and have fun with full of emotions.
*Advanced classes are only available to those who have permission from the teacher.
Bhagavad Gita
(Indian Philosophy)
Swami Medhasanda Ji
Teacher’s Comments: Simple & easy to understand essence of Indian Philosophy conducted in Japanese languages by an expert of Indian philosophy and Vedanta. The classes are held once a month from 10am to 12pm on the Saturday of every month.
<July- December 2026>
Date: July 11, 2026 / August 01, 2026 / September 05, 2026/ November 07, 2026/ December 05, 2026
Time: 10 am to 12 pm
Discipline
Avaialble Slots
YOGA
Batch
Days & Timings
A Class (Advanced)
Wed. & Fri.09:00-10:00
2 Classes/Week
B Class (Advanced)
Tue. & Thu. 11:00-12:00
2 Classes/Week
C Class (Beginner-Intermediate)
Wed. 17:00-18:00
1 Class/Week
D Class (Advanced)
Mon. & Thu. 18:30-19:30
2 Classes/Week
E Class (Beginner-Intermediate)
Tue.18:30-19:30
1 Class/Week
F Class (Beginner-Intermediate)
Wed. 18:30-19:30
1 Class/Week
G Class (Beginner-Intermediate)
Tue. & Thu. 09:00-10:00
2 Classes/Week
H Class (Beginner-Intermediate)
Wed. & Fri. 11:00-12:00
2 Classes/Week
I Class (Advanced)
Tue. & Thu. 17:00-18:00
2 Classes/Week
K Class (Beginner-Intermediate)
Sat. 08:00-09:00
1 Class/Week
L Class (Beginner-Intermediate)
Sat.09:15-10:15
1 Class/Week
M Class (Advanced)
Thu.15:30-16:30
1 Class/Week
N Class (Beginner-Intermediate)
Wed. & Fri. 15:30-16:30
2 Classes/Week
O Class (Beginner-Intermediate)
Sat.10:30-11:30
1 Class/Week
YOGA THERAPY
Fri. 17:00-18:00 1 Class/Week
KATHAK & CONTEMPORARY INDIAN DANCE
Batch
Days & Timings
A (Basic)
Mon. 10:30-11:30
B (Advance)*Available with permission of the teacher
Mon. 11:45-12:45
C (Junior) – EXCLUSIVE BATCH for children aged 8-15yrs
Sat. 14:30-15:30
D (Basic)
Sat. 15:45-16:45
Discipline
Avaialble Slots
ODISSI
Batch
Days & Timings
A
Mon. 18:30〜19:30
B
Mon. 19:35〜20:35
C (Online)
Thu. 19:30〜20:30
TABLA
Batch
Days & Timings
A –Beginner
Tues. 18:30-19:30
B–Intermediate
Tues. 19:45-20:45
C – Intermediate (Online)
Wed. 11:00-12:00
D – Intermediate (Online)
Wed. 19:00-20:00
E – Intermediate
Fri.18:30-19:30
F–Beginner
Fri. 19:45-20:45
G–Beginner
Sat. 10:15-11:15
H – Intermediate
Sat. 11:30-12:30
HINDI LANGUAGE
Mon. 17:00-18:00
SANSKRIT LANGUAGE
Tue. 15:30-16:30
BHAGAVAD GITA (Indian Philosophy)
Days & Time (Total 5 classes)
Date: July 11 /August 01/ September 05/ November 07/ December 05
Time: 10 am to 12 pm
Registration Information
To view the registration procedure, required documents and application schedule, please click the link below.
Click here for course Details and Application Documents
The Vivekananda Cultural Centre, Embassy of India, Tokyo, holds regular classes for registered VCC students on a variety of subjects including
Yoga, Yoga Therapy, Tabla, Kathak and Contemporary Indian Dance, Odissi, Hindi Language and Sanskrit Language.
(Note: VCC has two semesters each year for all classes for the duration of January to June and July to December respectively. Student registrations for interested individuals are conducted during June and December each year. Applications are only accepted during the designated registration period. Please continue to check our website for further updates and/or send your name and e-mail address to
indianculturecentreinjapan@gmail.com
to subscribe to our mailing list which will provide you with information and updates about events at the Embassy.)
Duration of Next Semester:
(January-June 2026 Semester)
Requirements
(Incomplete documents may delay in process)
Information on Registration for Both New & Continuing Students
PLEASE READ FIRST: Important Notice for
January-June 2026 Semester :
1. For the January–June 2026 semester, both new students and continuing students will be allowed to register during the same registration period.
2. First-time students and students returning to VCC after a gap of one semester or more will be treated as new students.
3. Students may enroll in a maximum of 2 classes of different types, with Tabla classes as an exception in which students may take up to 5 tabla classes/week.
4. The class registration period is four days (15 Dec - 18 Dec 2025). (*See schedule on next page). Since registration dates vary by class, please be sure to check the schedule.
5. In case that the applicant cannot come for registration, a representative may submit the required documents and 1 application form. Special consideration may be given for multiple proxy applications by immediate family members/legal guardians/teachers at the sole discretion of the Embassy. In this case, advanced consultation with the Embassy is required.
6. Queuing outside the Embassy of India before registrations are open will be possible from 9:00 AM each day. Any queues formed before this time will be considered invalid, and precedence will be given to students arriving from 9: 00 AM onwards.
7. The required documents are as follows:
A) Completed Class Registration Form (with the required photo attached on the form) B) Signed Rules and Regulations C) Driver’s-license–sized photograph for the ID card D) Photocopy of a valid photo ID E) Receipt from the previous term (for Continuing Students)
N.B. Class categories, fees and/or content may change without notice.
Reminder
Registration is on first-come-first-served basis due to limited availability. Application by-post or email will NOT be accepted. Fees are not refundable. First-time students will be given priority.
Schedule of Registration for All Students (New and Continuing):
Date
Available Classes for Registration
Eligible Students
Monday 15 December 2025
0930 -1130hrs
1400 -1600hrs
Yoga Classes A to F
Sanskrit Class
Hindi Language Class
Odissi Classes A to C
Tabla Classes
Kathak & Contemporary Indian Dance (CID) Class A to D
* No other classes except the above will be available for registration on this day.
New Students & Continuing Students
Tuesday 16 December 2025
0930 -1130hrs
1400 -1600hrs
Yoga Classes G to O
Yoga Therapy Class
Odissi Classes A to C
Tabla Classes
Kathak & Contemporary Indian Dance (CID) Class A to D
* No other classes except the above will be available for registration on this day.
New Students & Continuing Students
Wednesday 17 December to Thursday 18 December 2025
0930 -1130hrs
1400 -1600hrs
All VCC Classes
New Students & Continuing Students
* Waiting times may be up to several hours on certain days.
(Note: In case that the applicant cannot come for registration, a representative may submit the required documents and 1 application form. Special consideration may be given for multiple proxy applications by immediate family members/legal guardians/teachers at the sole discretion of the Embassy. In this case, advanced consultation with the Embassy is required.)
Location of Registration:
Library (3F Vivekananda Cultural Centre) Embassy of India 2-2-11 Kudan-Minami, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo 102-0074 Tel. No. : (03)3262-2391 to 97 Fax No. : (03)3263-5285
WHO CAN JOIN?
