New Hong Kong yoga studio has no mirrors, small classes and offers ‘immersive sounds’ sessions, but what’s with the Japanese name?

There’s a gentle hum about the recently opened Ikigai wellness studio in the heart of Causeway Bay in Hong Kong. The peaceful, mindful sanctuary provides diverse classes in yoga, meditation and movement-based practices in line with its other studio in Central, which opened in January, from a handstand workshop and beginner gymnastic rings classes to Ashtanga yoga sessions and nature-sounds therapy. But why the Japanese name for a place that teaches practices rooted in India?

“Ikigai is the Japanese word meaning ‘a reason for being’,” says co-founder Gianni Melwani, adding that the word resonated with him and his business partner, Aymeric Vollant. “We are not saying that people will find their reason for being at our studio, but we do believe that health and wellness is an effective way to provide clarity of mind, which will pave the way to help people find their ikigai.”

Born and raised in Hong Kong, Melwani, 30, has a background in athletics and soccer and was scouted as a teen to play football at professional academies in Brazil. He learned of yoga’s benefits while reading about athletes who attributed their long careers to its practice.

“I tried my first class and was hooked – my early years primarily focused on asanas [physical postures]. However due to an injury, I was unable to do the challenging poses. This was a blessing in disguise because it fuelled me to expand my knowledge of yoga.”

He took a deep dive into learning this ancient practice at its source, staying in ashrams in India. He returned to Hong Kong to launch his own yoga venture with detailed and well-considered plans, opening the first Ikigai studio in Tsim Sha Tsui in 2019.