A Returning Guest from India at My Japanese Tea Ceremony in Kumamoto

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 experiences here in Kumamoto, I hoped that visitors would feel the beauty and spirit of the Way of Tea. To have someone come back again, and even bring friends, was truly encouraging.

During their visit, I introduced them to some of the basic etiquette of the tea room. They learned how to enter the tea room properly, how to walk on the tatami mats, and how to sit and use a zabuton. These small gestures are part of the quiet discipline and mindfulness that shape the atmosphere of chanoyu.

March is also a special time in the world of tea. It is the month when we remember the passing of Sen no Rikyū, the great tea master who established the philosophy of the tea ceremony. On this occasion, we quietly offered a bowl of tea to his spirit together.

My guests were warm, curious, and deeply appreciative of the experience. Moments like this remind me that the Way of Tea can connect people from different cultures and backgrounds.

In tea, we often speak of Ichigo Ichie—the idea that each meeting should be treasured as a once-in-a-lifetime encounter. Yet sometimes, those encounters lead to new meetings and lasting friendships.

I am truly grateful for this connection that began with a single bowl of tea.