We were given 55 minutes to provide a brief introduction to the history of tea ceremony and demonstrate a standard tea preparation (hirademae). Ms. Gray served as the second guest.

Tables and chairs were arranged in a U-shape, with Ryukyu tatami mats and a kettle placed in the center.

After enjoying Japanese sweets, the students were given tea bowls containing hot water and matcha powder, along with whisks, to make their own matcha.

As most of them whisked as if they were frothing milk, we advised them to hold the whisk upright and move it quickly in “M” and “W” shapes.

At the end of the demonstration, we held a short quiz about the spirit of tea ceremony, and two students were invited to try sitting in seiza on the tatami and standing up again (one student couldn’t manage to sit in seiza).

Two international students from Japan commented that it was only after coming abroad that they began to think deeply about Japanese culture.

 See More Photos>>>