Global Non-Profit Sakura Cha Meet

Event page

Sakura Cha Meet is a global UN Alliance non-profit based in Washington DC, the center of international politics, which aims to answer the global need for international cooperation. As the world faces global problems such as climate change, a pandemic, and international tension, the need for harmony, mutual understanding, and collaboration, is more urgent than ever. Our organization was created to respond to this need.

With the aim of continuing international exchange despite the coronavirus pandemic, we will hold an online autumn tea ceremony to coincide with the season of "Kuchikiri-no-chaji," which is known as the New Year's Day of the Tea Ceremony. By focusing on the introduction of nodate (outdoor tea ceremony), the event will:

1. Remote international exchange with tea-lovers from all over the world can be enjoyed even during the coronavirus pandemic 　
2. Learn the authentic way to prepare and enjoy Japanese matcha
3. Share appreciation for Japanese spirit of harmony and understand its potential for improving the world and creating a more peaceful future

We hope people from all over the world will participate in our organization and become the driving force for our activities.

⭐️ We have prepared the contents that can be easily enjoyed by those who are not familiar with tea. Anyone is welcome.

⭐️ The language of this event is English. A recording of the event will be available at a later date, so you can use it to "learn English" if you are not a native English speaker.

Outline of the Autumn Tea Ceremony

The program will be broadcast live to the world, including the United States and Israel. To accommodate for time zone differences, the event will have three sessions. All sessions will have the exact same contents.

Below, is our "session recommendation" for your session sign-up depending on your location. Each session has a separate Eventbrite registration. Please click on the session links below to register for your preferred session.

USA:

• Session #1 (November 22, 2020 7:00-9:00 PM EST)
• Session #2 (November 22-23, 2020 10:00 PM- 12:00 AM PST)

Israel:

• Session #2 (November 23, 2020 8:00-10:00AM IST)
• Session #3 (November 23, 2020 12:00-2:00PM IST)

Japan:

• Any session

* All programs will be held in English

Program Contents

1) Opening Remarks

2) The Essence of the Tea Ceremony - Special Guest Greeting (details to be announced later)

3) The History of the Tea Ceremony (Following three eras of Japanese history introduced through video clips -

• Heian Era (Nobleman's Tea)
• Meiji Era (Sukisha's Tea)
• Modern Era (Tea for Peace)

4) Workshop (Experience a luxurious space to enjoy tea in nature)

• What is matcha?
• Authentic perspective
• Learn to make matcha together

5) Live Q&A and Discussion (Open to questions in real-time)

6) Closing Remarks

Workshop Session [Practice]

We will give tips on how to make authentic matcha and basic knowledge on authentic Japanese matcha to help people from all over the world create an aesthetic space to enjoy tea anytime and anywhere. We hope you will try to create your own space and enjoy tea after learning with us.

Discussion

During the event, we will be open for questions in real-time. We will also be connected to a number of people around the world, including the United States and Israel. It will be an exciting opportunity to talk with people from all over the world.

Please come learn and enjoy with us!

Introduction To Our Tea Advisor, Master Professor Koizumi

Koizumi Sobin, a tea master, was appointed by the Iemoto of the Urasenke School of Medicine at the time of the establishment of the Kyoto University's School of Medicine Tea Ceremony Department in 1982 and began teaching the tea ceremony at the request of the Iemoto of the Urasenke School of Medicine, where she currently serves as an advisor. In 1997, she was appointed by the Urasenke family to be a professor of the tea ceremony and in 2002, she started "Chidori no Kai" and "Tomitayokai" to promote Japanese culture and the tea ceremony. She is a proponent of the "Inaugural Tea" which believes in widening the scope of the tea ceremony and lowering the threshold, and promotes "peacefulness from a single cup."

More Details

The History of the Tea Ceremony

The essence of the appeal of the tea ceremony, which has changed over time, and the thoughts and feelings of the people who developed it up to the present day, will be introduced through video clips set against three different historical backgrounds.

1) Heian Period (Nobleman's Tea)

Arashiyama Yusaitei is proud to present the scenery as enjoyed by aristocrats in the Heian Era 1000 years ago.

[Key points of this period ]

• When tea was first introduced to Japan as medicine, it was more expensive than gold, and became a favorite about the noble class.
• This was at a time where colorful aesthetics were more developed in Japan
• and had the tradition of "yellow sumac dyeing" of textiles that can only be worn by the emperor.

2) Meiji Era (Sukisha's Tea)

From Shoraian, which was also the villa of Prince Fumimaro Konoe, we will introduce the origins of Japanese cuisine and "cha-kaiseki."

[Key points of this period ]

• After the establishment of the tea ceremony, tea became popular as a diplomatic tool, and it became an essential part of the life of Japanese leaders.
• The profile of the famous "sukisha" who have supported the culture of the tea ceremony from the Muromachi Era to the Meiji Era and to the present day.

3) Modern Era (Tea for Peace)

We'll show you how to enjoy  "nodate" (outdoor tea ceremony), a simple way to create a luxurious space by the riverside in Arashiyama, Kyoto.

[Key points of this period ]

• After the war, tea became a symbol of peace.
• Let's learn about the philosophy of the "peacefulness of a tea bowl," which was started by the Grandmaster of the Sen-Genshitsu Ursaneko after returning from the war, and think about peace around the world.

NGO Sakura-Cha Meet

Please visit our homepage for more information on our organization and activities.

https://en.sakura-cha-meet.com/