Theteaceremony(chado)isnot merely the act of drinking matcha; it is a uniquelyJapanesecomprehensive art form where the host welcomes guests with the spirit of“once-in-a-lifetime encounters.”
- Definition of Tea Ceremony
- A culture of hospitality (Omotenashi) that achieves spiritual fulfillment through tea.
- “Ichi-go ichi-e” (One time, one meeting) – The spirit of cherishing the present moment.
- Key Elements
- Matcha: Widely popular worldwide, known for its health benefits and flavor.
- Otemae: The beautiful ritual movements of preparing tea.
- Tea Room: A tranquil space evoking the essence of wabi-sabi.
- What to Expect
- Sweets: Seasonal Japanese confections that complement the bitterness of matcha.
- Etiquette:Bowing, receiving tea, rotating the bowl.
- Seated Style (Ryurei-shiki): For foreigners who find kneeling difficult, the “standing ceremony” using chairs and tables is also common.
- Cultural Exchange and Trust (Interaction)
- Shared experiences foster communication beyond words and build trust in business relationships.
