Meet Chami.

I was born in Nagano, Japan, but grew up in many different countries. Through this experience of constant liminal space, I came to value living in an authentic way wherever I am placed. I strive to create a safe space for practicing yoga where students can explore their inner world through physical movement, breath awareness, and compassionate observation of the self. I believe yoga is a tool that allows us to embrace ourselves just as we are, so that we can live out our unique and precious life for ourselves and the world.

My legal name is Migiwa Nagai. Chami is a nickname I've had since I was young, and works well in most languages I've encountered so that's how I introduce myself. Migiwa is an old Japanese word that means "shoreline," where water meets land. Shoreline provides diversity and nurtures life. My hope is that Migiwa Yoga Space is where people from all walks of life can encounter each other, and also reconnect with the power of Life within themselves.

I love to play the piano, sing and laugh, walk barefooted in the park (when it’s warm), drink chai, and to have heart to heart conversations. I’ve lived in 6 different countries and consider both Japanese and English as my heart languages.

In my former life I worked with education projects in the slums of Cambodia and helped start up and manage a social enterprise after the tsunami in Tohoku, Japan. I’m married to a wonderful fellow global nomad, David, and we currently reside in Yokohama with our son.