Mrs. Kazuko Sakamaki (Souwa Sakamaki literally "Teacher Sakamaki") invited us to attend a Japanese Green Tea Ceremony which was held at a beautiful home in Abiko, Japan. Mrs. Sakamaki has been studying and teaching the Tea Ceremony for over 25 years.
This beautiful home, owned by a sucessful Laundry Steam Cleaning Chain president, is used for various company related events as well as a vacation retreat for members of the company. The Japanese sometimes refer to this type of home as a "Second House" or "Bessou".
After the Tea Cermony, we were incouraged to take a stroll in the magnificent garden. Although it is much larger than the average Japanese garden, many of its decorations are a common sight in Japan. Click on the Image to enter the Japanese Garden.
The Japanese Green Tea Ceremony
(Eri Komura) The "Natsume" (container for Matcha) is carried into the room and neatly placed on the "tatami mat".
Next the Ceremonial Tea Cup, Wisk (for preparing the Matcha) and the spoon "Chashaku", (used to place the Matcha Powder into the Tea Cup) are placed to begin the Tea Brewing.
As the Tea Ceremony begins, guests are served typical Japanese sweets.
The "Natsume" is elegantly wiped clean with a red cloth.
As the "Chashaku" spoon is wiped clean. Another member (Kaori Imamichi) arrives at the doorway.
Ms Komura draws hot water from the "Kama".
and pours it into the first Teacup.
The water is gently swirled to warm the Teacup, then discarded.
The Teacup is wiped dry.
The Matcha is spooned into the Teacup with the "Chashaku".
The "Chashaku" is replaced into its position on the "Natsume".
Hot water is ladled into the Teacup.
And the "Hishaku" (ladle) is placed back into its proper position.
The Macha is then gently wisked.
The Tea is ready to serve. Ms Komura places the Teacup on the tatami mat at her side.
Ms Imamichi picks up the Teacup.
and places it directly in front of the first guest. The guest will pick up the Teacup, spin two times until the face of the Teacup is outward, and sip the Tea.
Akiko Misawa joins the ceremony and serves the next guest,
placing the Teacup directly in front of them.
Ms Imamichi prepares to enter the room to serve the next guest. This prccess continues until each guest has been served.
After each member has been served, Ms Komura adds water to the "Kama" (Pot for hot water) for the next Tea Ceremony which will take place.
The lid is placed back onto the "Kama",
the "Hishaku" placed on the table,
until everything is ready for he next ceremony.
Finally, the "Natsume" is wiped clean and placed on the tatami mat.
The Tea Ceremony concludes.
We hope you have enjoyed the Japanese Green Tea Ceremony. Please feel free to take a stroll in the
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