The Instructors
Who We Are

Michael Glenn
Michael is the original founder of Yoga Tree. His approach encourages intensity in practice while allowing the space for self-observation that leads to insights into oneself. Centering on progressions grounded in both traditional Hatha yoga and modern kinesthetics, his classes offer students a path to reaching their potential.
Aki Negishi
Due to changes in her body and stress after childbirth, Aki started practicing yoga to restore mental and physical balance. With the good fortune of studying with many great teachers, she has experienced a new awareness of life through yoga. Her classes aim to bring the mind and body to a centered state of harmony.


Alessia Zangari
Beginning her yoga journey in 2012, Alessia was fascinated by the freedom and spaciousness the practice offers the body and mind, with the breath as the tool that connects them. In her classes, Alessia combines the vinyasa system and breath control of Ashtanga Yoga with an understanding of alignment and use of props. Her classes include pranayama and sound vibrations with Himalayan singing bowls.
Arika Sunayama
Arika was drawn to yoga in response to stress caused by environmental change. Practicing yoga brought positive change to her body and mind. As a teacher, she centers on the correct alignment for each individual’s body and strives to make yoga an opportunity to inspire change.


Dominica Serigano
With over 25 years of teaching experience in the Tokyo yoga community, in 2021 Dominica transitioned from studio owner, director, and head instructor of SHIZEN Yoga Studio to fully dedicate herself to teaching and her personal yoga exploration. A long time student of Senior Iyengar Yoga teacher Gabriella Giubilaro, Dominica's alignment-based Hatha yoga classes blend asana, breath work, and yoga philosophy infused with passion, humor, and expert guidance. Her clear instructions and thoughtfully crafted sequences help students deepen their practice while enjoying a personal and engaging learning experience.
Erika Arakawa
Erika is a certified Iyengar Yoga teacher. Her keen dedication to a rigorous daily practice informs her meticulous teaching. Erika’s classes are joyful eye-opening discoveries for beginning students and experienced teachers alike.


Kyoko McKellin
Yoga has improved Kyoko’s life in different aspects. As a mother of two, with a husband who practices yoga, Kyoko believes yoga is for everyone, all ages and genders, to heal and find a better way of life physically and mentally. Kyoko enjoys sharing the joy of yoga with her students greatly.
Lena Ang
Lena is a Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher (CIYT). She trained and taught at the New York Iyengar Yoga Institute before moving to Tokyo. Lena teaches with the intention for students to experience yoga as a joyful, intelligent physical and meditative practice. Prior to teaching yoga, she taught dance and was a Butoh practitioner.


Mai Kouyama
As a student, Mai was devoted to street dance. When introduced to yoga, she was instantly fascinated by its depth and breadth, which helped improve her physical performance and mental well-being. With a practice centered on Ashtanga Yoga, Mai has taught yoga since 2013 and continues to deepen her practice by studying various styles of yoga. Her classes are original and full of fun and movement.
Miho Yoshida
Miho’s professional background in psychology grew into a fascination with how yoga brings steadiness and well-being to the mind. Committed to growing her personal practice day by day, she teaches yoga as a tool for living life to the fullest. Miho is a certified yoga therapist and member of Yoga Tree’s teacher-training program.


Mikiko Keller
A devoted yoga practitioner since 2000, Mikiko has embarked on the study of many yoga traditions. She teaches alignment based Hatha Yoga with the intention to lead practitioners to cultivate their inner strength and awareness for spiritual growth. Member of Yoga Tree’s teacher-training program.
Ryutaro Ichikawa


Shelly Hayashi
Shelly is a committed student of yoga and a 500-hour RYT specialising in alignment and vinyasa styles. Her classes are challenging but fun, incorporating asana, breath work and yoga philosophy to support her students on their journey of exploration and growth.
Yohko Fujimoto
After experiencing poor health due to stress, Yohko recovered by discovering the connection of body and mind and the importance of the breath through yoga. She shares the importance of these things through daily yoga practices.
