On March 14, 2026, we, NPO Cha Know You participated in the Perth Japan Festival in Australia once again this year.

The Perth Japan Festival grows in popularity every year, and this year’s 12th edition was held on a site twice the size of last year’s. Under pleasant weather—not too hot—we welcomed 26,828 visitors.

At the Tea Ceremony stall, a total of 36 volunteer staff members—including tea lovers such as a 7-year-old girl, as well as high school and university students from Japan—served tea to approximately 200 guests over 15 sessions.

After explaining the history of the tea ceremony and its spiritual principles—such as “Wa-Kei-Sei-Jaku” (Harmony, Respect, Purity, and Tranquility) and “Ichigo-Ichie” (Each encounter happens only once in a lifetime.)—we demonstrated the standard tea performance.

Since we received many requests last year from people who wanted to try preparing tea themselves, this year we offered an experience where visitors could prepare matcha using a tea whisk.

The Consul General of Japan in Perth, the Mayor of Perth, and other individuals with ties to Japan in Perth also joined us.

Many children participated as well—perhaps thanks to the current matcha boom. Even those who didn’t participate gathered constantly outside the stall.

It was also a great joy to hear that everyone—including volunteers, high school and university exchange students, and staff members, both Japanese and non-Japanese—who were experiencing the tea ceremony for the first time said they had fun and had developed an interest in tea, even though some worked long hours from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., handling everything from setup to cleanup and barely sitting down.

We hope that the number of people in Perth who are interested in Japan and the tea ceremony will continue to grow.

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