The leaders of R/GA, a global company headquartered in New York City with operations in ten countries, gathered in Tokyo in February for a three-day conference. As a cultural experience during the conference, we hosted a Japanese Tea Experience in the International House of Japan’s lecture hall, designed by architect Kunio Maekawa.

Each participant received a kaishi (traditional Japanese paper) with their name hand-brushed in hiragana. They then observed a tea-making demonstration and learned about the philosophy of chanoyu, or the Way of Tea. We also introduced the hanging scroll and its role in the tea room, explaining key concepts such as "Wa-Kei-Sei-Jaku" (harmony, respect, purity, tranquility), "Ichigo-Ichie" (treasuring each moment), and "Onko-Chishin" (learning from the past to create the future).

As a parting gift, participants received kaishi featuring Choju-giga (Frolicking Animals) designs and traditional dry sweets shaped like plum blossoms and yukiwa (snow rings).

Choju-giga, a 12th–13th century picture scroll, is often considered Japan’s earliest manga. It humorously depicts anthropomorphized animals engaging in human-like activities, offering a humorous yet thought-provoking reflection on society. Kaishi, an essential item in the tea ceremony, is also highly practical. It can be used for wrapping money, as a paper plate, napkin, or even as a notepad.

The plum blossom sweet symbolizes resilience and renewal, while the yukiwa (snow ring) motif, stylized from the form of a snowflake, carries auspicious wishes for prosperity, longevity, and good fortune.