Matcha Lecture & Cocktail Evening
2026/8/26
On August 26th, the Embassy held a lecture and demonstration titled “Matcha Lecture & Cocktail Evening” at the Information and Culture Centre. The lecture was presented by Mr. Mitsuhiro Nakamura, Chief Mixologist at the Park Hyatt London River Thames and certified instructor of Japanese tea ceremony (Urasenke).
Chargé d’affaires Hideaki Ishii opened the event by giving a speech, touching on the growing presence of matcha internationally and introducing the recent registration of Japanese tea, including matcha, under the Geographical Indication (GI) protection system. Mr. Rawlson King, Councillor of Ward 13 Rideau-Rockcliffe, followed-up with words expressing his appreciation of Japanese culture, including tea, and his excitement for the introduction of a contemporary interpretation of matcha.
Mr. Nakamura introduced Japanese bartending practices and described similarities between bartending and tea ceremony; notably the importance of hospitality and intention in each movement. Following this, Mr. Nakamura conducted a demonstration of Japanese tea ceremony, with all in the audience completely silent, captivated by his performance. Following the demonstration, everyone enjoyed conversation over Mr. Nakamura’s original cocktail creations.
Chargé d’affaires Hideaki Ishii opened the event by giving a speech, touching on the growing presence of matcha internationally and introducing the recent registration of Japanese tea, including matcha, under the Geographical Indication (GI) protection system. Mr. Rawlson King, Councillor of Ward 13 Rideau-Rockcliffe, followed-up with words expressing his appreciation of Japanese culture, including tea, and his excitement for the introduction of a contemporary interpretation of matcha.
Mr. Nakamura introduced Japanese bartending practices and described similarities between bartending and tea ceremony; notably the importance of hospitality and intention in each movement. Following this, Mr. Nakamura conducted a demonstration of Japanese tea ceremony, with all in the audience completely silent, captivated by his performance. Following the demonstration, everyone enjoyed conversation over Mr. Nakamura’s original cocktail creations.
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| Remarks by Ishii, Chargé d’affaires | Remarks by Mr. King, Councillor of Ward 13 Rideau-Rockcliffe |
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| Matcha cocktails ready to be served | |