Kissako Cha Know You once again supported a tea gathering organized by a corporate tea ceremony club, following last year’s event. We assisted with venue arrangements, preparation of utensils, record of utensils (kaiki), explanatory materials, and day-of operations.

Four tea gatherings were held at 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM, and 5:00 PM. About 35 participants joined, including club members, their families, and friends. The atmosphere was warm and inclusive, welcoming both children and adults, Japanese and international guests, and tea practitioners from both Omotesenke and Urasenke schools—from first-timers to seasoned participants.

Two members made their temae (tea procedure) debut. They practiced that morning to prepare, while a senior who had debuted last year offered words of encouragement: “Don’t worry—even if you make a mistake, stay calm.”

Club members brought utensils inspired by birds and waterside scenes, creating a cheerful, poetic setting. The collection included a jade incense container, tea caddies with plovers, tea bowls with cranes and plovers in flight, and a lid rest shaped like three seagulls riding the waves. Handmade tea bowls and scoops were renamed and recorded in the kaiki.

Four members took turns serving as hantō (assistant host), each covering one of the four sessions. They warmly guided first-time guests on how to enjoy the tea and sweets, and gave clear, friendly explanations of the utensils.

The hanging scrolls were selected and displayed by Kissako Cha Know You. In the main tearoom, “Kōun Ryūsui” (“Drifting Clouds, Flowing Water”) expressed the Zen spirit of moving with nature. In the smaller tearoom, “Chazen Ichimi” (“Tea and Zen Are One”) reflected the idea that tea practice embodies Zen and fosters inner growth.

Guests were also invited to view the ro (sunken hearth) and learn about the tearoom’s layout and design.

The tea served was “Yūkei no Shiro”, a favored blend of the Omotesenke Grand Master, paired with Hamazuto, a seasonal sweet from Kyoto’s Kameya Norikatsu.