This spring, I hosted a Japanese tea ceremony experience booth at a wellness event at the University of Portland. Guests were invited to whisk their own matcha and enjoy it while learning a few elements of Japanese tea ceremony etiquette. The event’s theme was 1920s elegance, with a black-and-gold color palette. To complement the atmosphere, I created a modern table-style…
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This spring, I had the opportunity to give a kimono lecture at the CareCommunity Summit. I had previously given kimono demonstrations and lectures at Japan-related events, but this was my first time speaking about kimono at an event that was not specifically focused on Japanese culture or cultural education. That made the experience especially meaningful to me. Traditional clothing was…
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Making Wasanbon Sweets in Kagawa with My Kids When people think of Kagawa Prefecture, they probably think of Sanuki udon first. But Kagawa is also known for another traditional specialty, Wasanbon sugar. I was born and raised in Kagawa, and as someone who studies Japanese tea ceremony, I had always wanted to try making Wasanbon myself. Wasanbon sweets are often…
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I love all kinds of tea, not just matcha and Japanese tea. I also enjoy visiting tea rooms and having afternoon tea. DOJA Teas is one of my favorite tea rooms in the Portland area. I have visited many times, both in regular clothes and in kimono. So when I heard that DOJA was holding a Best Dressed Contest last…
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Tea ceremony may seem formal and complicated, especially if you imagine tatami rooms and traditional settings. However, you can enjoy the essence of Japanese tea culture in a much simpler way through a Table-Style Tea Ceremony. In fact, you can start with just a few basic items and gradually explore deeper traditions. What Is Table-Style Tea Ceremony? Table-Style Tea Ceremony…
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