I am thrilled to announce that the 2026 season for our Seasonal Wagashi Making and Japanese Tea Ceremony  has officially launched! It was a true pleasure to welcome my very first guests for this session: three wonderful travelers from Chicago who joined me via Activity Japan . The Ritual of Purification We began our journey at the tsukubai  (stone water basin) located near the entrance of the tea room. I explained that using the tsukubai  is an act of misogi —a ritual purific

Last June, two guests from India visited my tea room for the very first time. At that time, we shared a quiet moment together over a bowl of matcha, learning about the traditions and spirit of the Japanese tea ceremony. This March, I had the great pleasure of welcoming him back—this time accompanied by three of his friends. For me, this visit was a very meaningful milestone. It was the first time that a guest from overseas returned to my tea room. When I began offering tea ex

As I sit in the quiet of my tea room, reflecting on the past year, my heart is full of gratitude. 2025 was a year of profound connections and quiet growth. The Way of Tea ( Chado ) is about more than just a bowl of matcha; it is about the unique, once-in-a-lifetime encounter between host and guest ( Ichigo Ichie ). Looking back at the highlights of 2025, I am reminded of why I started this journey. 2025 Highlights: A Year of Connection A Global Tea Table:  I had the honor of

Practical training to learn the essence of Chanoyu Step by step, toward the art of heartfelt hospitality through a formal tea gathering...

When I returned to Japan to establish my own tea room, my primary focus was on hosting as many formal tea gatherings, or chaji , as...

In June, I hosted a formal tea gathering, or Chaji , for Dr. Hirata of Colgate University, who was visiting Kumamoto and my new tea room...

I was invited to participate in the "Way of Tea: Embodied Learning and its Significance" program at Colgate University, a top 20...

Hello everyone, I am thrilled to share an exciting update with you all. After years of dreaming and planning, I have finally opened my...