Japanese Tea Ceremony Demonstration
2019/2/9
On January 26, the Embassy of Japan hosted a “Japanese tea ceremony demonstration” at the Information and Culture Centre in collaboration with Chadô Urasenke Tankôkai to introduce Japanese tea and tea culture. It was a good opportunity to enhance people’s interest and understanding of Japanese tea culture from various points of view, especially following the “Japanese Hospitality and Tea” event held on January 24.
In his opening remarks, H.E. Kimihiro Ishikane, Ambassador of Japan, described the tea ceremony as one of the most symbolic aspects of Japanese hospitality and introduced its history and significance in connection with contemporary Japanese culture and customs.
Following a brief introduction by Ms. Valerie Mespoulede, an executive member of Chadô Urasenke Tankôkai, a tea ceremony was performed under the direction of Ms. Sôkô Ueda, Urasenke Second-degree Instructor. Mrs. Ishikane played the role of host and participated in the demonstration. Ms. Mespoulede gave a detailed explanation of each movement to help participants understand the demonstration better. At the end of the demonstration, some participants had a chance to join the tea ceremony and enjoy tasting tea.
Although the demonstration was conducted in a quiet manner, many enthusiastic questions were raised during Q&A session, which showed a large amount of interest in the Japanese tea ceremony in Canada. It was a significant opportunity to understand and promote Japanese tea culture.
In his opening remarks, H.E. Kimihiro Ishikane, Ambassador of Japan, described the tea ceremony as one of the most symbolic aspects of Japanese hospitality and introduced its history and significance in connection with contemporary Japanese culture and customs.
Following a brief introduction by Ms. Valerie Mespoulede, an executive member of Chadô Urasenke Tankôkai, a tea ceremony was performed under the direction of Ms. Sôkô Ueda, Urasenke Second-degree Instructor. Mrs. Ishikane played the role of host and participated in the demonstration. Ms. Mespoulede gave a detailed explanation of each movement to help participants understand the demonstration better. At the end of the demonstration, some participants had a chance to join the tea ceremony and enjoy tasting tea.
Although the demonstration was conducted in a quiet manner, many enthusiastic questions were raised during Q&A session, which showed a large amount of interest in the Japanese tea ceremony in Canada. It was a significant opportunity to understand and promote Japanese tea culture.
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| Opening remarks by Ambassador Ishikane |
Greetings by Tea Ceremony Demonstrators |
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| Demonstration by Ms. Ueda |
Mrs. Ishikane plays a role of host |
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| Brief explanation of tea ceremony by Ms. Mespoulede |
Demonstration |
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| Participants tasting tea | Q&A Session |