Ohigan & Matcha | The Meaning of Botamochi, Ohagi, and Tea Ceremony Culture Ohigan is almost here. This season — centered around the spring equinox — is a time to visit family graves, tend to home altars, and quietly honor those who came before us. When botamochi appears in sweet shops and supermarkets, you know […]
In October 2022, something significant happened for Japanese food culture. Namagashi with a kamei (nerikiri/konashi) — fresh Japanese sweets bearing poetic seasonal names — were officially registered as Japan’s Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Agency for Cultural Affairs. Following washoku (Japanese cuisine) being inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, wagashi has now received formal […]
March 5, 2026: Japan’s Luckiest Day of the Year — The Deep Connection Between Tea Ceremony and Good Fortune Today, March 5, 2026, is an extraordinarily rare day in the Japanese calendar — four auspicious days overlap at once: Tenshanihi, Ichiryū Manbaibi, Tora no Hi, and Taian. Rather than just buying a lottery ticket, why […]
A new celebration gesture is taking the 2026 World Baseball Classic by storm: the “tea whisking pose” performed by Japan’s national baseball team, Samurai Japan. But where did it come from — and what does it have to do with traditional Japanese tea ceremony? Read on to find out. What Is the “Tea Whisking Pose”? […]
March 3rd is Hinamatsuri — also known as Momo no Sekku, or the “Festival of Peaches.” But why peaches? It’s not simply because they bloom in early spring. In both ancient Japan and China, the peach was believed to be a sacred fruit with the power to ward off evil spirits. Why Is the Peach […]
Wagashi: Traditional Japanese Sweets Born from Nature Wagashi (和菓子) are traditional Japanese confections that have evolved alongside the country’s four seasons. Their appeal goes far beyond their visual beauty — wagashi are also celebrated as sweets that are gentle on the body, crafted from wholesome natural ingredients. Paired with matcha, they offer a window into […]
“I want to offer a matcha experience, but I don’t have any tea ceremony tools.” “I’m not sure what equipment I need or where to start.” “I don’t need a full traditional setup, but I want to create an authentic atmosphere.” When planning tea ceremony or matcha experiences, we often hear concerns like these. Tea […]
I want to know!Major Style of Tea Ceremony and Their Personalities If you are interested in the tea ceremony, you may be wondering which school you should study.In this article, we will introduce the major schools of tea ceremony in an easy-to-understand manner for beginners. Knowing the Three Major Schools: The Lineage of the Senke […]
Have you ever wondered about Japanese tea ceremony but felt intimidated by its formality? You’re not alone. While this centuries-old practice might seem shrouded in mystery and strict rules, at its heart lies something beautifully simple: the act of serving tea with a pure heart. Let’s explore how this ancient art can enrich our modern […]
Introduction The tea ceremony is more than just a manner of drinking tea; it is an art form that embodies the essence of traditional Japanese culture.In this article, we will explain the basic manners and etiquette of tea ceremony in an easy-to-understand manner for beginners who wish to begin. Table of Contents Preparation for the […]
