Tea Ceremony by Urasenke associate professor

Why not take a break from the everyday hustle and listen to your inner voice? Experience the tea ceremony at Chawa Masudaya, a tea shop founded in 1930.

The Historical Roots of the Tea Ceremony’s Spirituality

The deep spirituality of the tea ceremony is connected to its history. It was introduced to Japan along with Buddhism, and the educated elite encountered tea during this time. The ceremony embodies both “spirituality” and “cultural significance.”

Influences on Spirituality

Japan’s ancient nature worship
Emphasis on relationships over individualism
Buddhism (including Zen), Confucianism, and traditional Japanese values (Shingi Reichi Shin)

The spirit of Tea Ceremony, Wa-Kei-Sei-Jaku (harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility)

Harmony (Wa): The spirit of thinking kindly of others and fostering harmony
Respect (Kei): Mutual respect for one another
Purity (Sei): Maintaining a clean and pure heart
Tranquility (Jaku): A heart that remains unshaken with experience

Influences on Cultural Significance

Artifacts brought back by envoys to Tang China, such as treasures in the Shosoin
Furnishings and goods introduced through trade with the Song and Ming dynasties
Introduction of foreign cultural elements like music, art, culinary arts, and architecture
Importation of valuable items
Establishment of social spaces for appreciating these items with guests
Interaction with others

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What is a Tea Room?

The tea room is a space reflecting the spirit of the tea ceremony, harmonizing with nature and devoid of excess. It’s a quiet environment where one can listen to the sounds of nature, water, and their own inner voice. The tea ceremony and tea room mutually influence each other, deeply engaging human sensibilities.

When a guest visits a tea room, there is no greeting at the entrance. They enter through a small door called the Nijiriguchi, into the intimate space of the tea room.

Introducing Associate Professor

Emiko Masuda is an esteemed Urasenke associate professor and a direct disciple within the Urasenke tradition of the Japanese tea ceremony. She has an extensive background in traditional Japanese culture, holding a master’s degree in traditional culture from Takarazuka University of Art and Design, where she completed the first stage of a doctoral program. Additionally, she possesses a travel management qualification and a cooking license, showcasing her diverse expertise in cultural and culinary arts.

The Relationship Between the Tea Ceremony and Zen

Prominent tea masters like Takeno Jōō and Sen no Rikyū, during the Azuchi-Momoyama period, often practiced Zen at Zen temples.

Zen teaches living with the minimum necessary and appreciating the simple things in life, such as "a tatami mat to sleep on and half a mat when awake." It emphasizes direct experience and practice over theoretical knowledge. The goal is to face one's mind, recognize the Buddha-nature within, and achieve peace through practice, with the realization that tranquility in mind and body is the essence of Buddha.

Tea Ceremony Tools

Chawan (Tea Bowl): A bowl used for drinking tea.
Cha-ire (Tea Container): A container used to hold matcha for thick tea, also known as a thick tea container.
Chashaku (Tea Scoop): A spoon used to scoop matcha. Also called a teaspoon.
Mizusashi (Water Container): A container used to hold water for adding to the kettle or cleaning the tea bowl and tea whisk.
Futaoki (Lid Rest): A tool used to rest the kettle lid or the ladle.

Emiko Masuda - Profile

Founded in 1930, the long-established "Sawa Masudaya" offers an ideal tea ceremony class where a tea master provides direct instruction in English. Ms. Masuda is a rare tea master who also holds a chef's license. She is active internationally, not only teaching in Japan but also at universities abroad. Additionally, she holds a Master's degree in traditional arts and conducts specialized classes in tea gatherings, focusing on both the tea ceremony and the rituals of kaiseki cuisine.

Tea Ceremony Activity History (From 1992)

1995: Studied abroad in the UK.

2001: Participated in a Japanese cuisine exchange program in Greece invited by the Greek government.
Stayed in the USA and Canada, studied Anatomy Art through the Student League, and served as an assistant at a cooking class in Manhattan, researching food culture.
Participated in the North American Tea Ceremony Tournament in Los Angeles.

2002: Oslo - Accompanied the Grand Master as a member of the delegation to the Japanese Embassy in Norway.
Participated in a WCRP aid inspection visit to Cambodia and Vietnam.
Participated in the South American Tea Ceremony Tournament in Mexico.

2004-2005: Held tea ceremony classes in Shanghai.

2006: While stationed in Shanghai, conducted lectures and demonstrations on Japanese culture, including the tea ceremony.
At the request of the Consulate-General of Japan in Shanghai, gave lectures on Japanese culture to local university students and faculty.
Delivered lectures and demonstrations on Japanese culture, morals, and the history of tea ceremony during Japan Culture Month in Anhui Province, organized by the Consulate-General of Japan in Shanghai.
Performed and gave lectures on the tea ceremony at the Pudong International Fair and at temples in Shanghai.

2007: Taught tea ceremony in Shanghai.

2008: Completed one-year residential training at the Urasenke School of Tea Ceremony in Kyoto. Obtained a license to teach tea ceremony in schools.
Gave lectures and practical demonstrations on tea ceremony and Kaiseki cuisine at Anhui University Auditorium, as part of a Japanese fair organized by the Japanese Embassy.

2009: Earned a master's degree in Traditional Arts from Takarazuka University of Arts.

2011: Demonstrated the tea ceremony at the China-Japan-Korea Tea Culture Conference.
Conducted tea ceremony classes and instructed on Japanese dining manners.
Gave lectures on Japanese dining etiquette and hospitality.
Collaborated with various TV programs and assisted in filming for movies.

2012: Delivered a lecture on the tea ceremony at a Rotary Club meeting in Kawasaki.

2016: Provided tea ceremony instruction for the movie Mumon: The Land of Stealth and the V-cinema Tadano Hitoshi.
Led a tea ceremony demonstration and tea serving at the Japanese Consulate-General in Shanghai during the Emperor's birthday celebration.

2017: Received an award for tea ceremony experiences for foreign visitors in the "Gurunavi Japan" category.
Entered Urasenke and was appointed as the chief instructor stationed at the Tianjin branch in China.

2019: As the branch office representative in China, instructed over 1,100 students in tea ceremony at various universities, including Tianjin Foreign Studies University, Tianjin University of Commerce, Nankai University, Zhejiang University, etc. (Teaching 25 students per class x 10 classes = 250 students per term, across four terms = 1,000 students instructed.)
Additionally, provided tea ceremony instruction to ministers and diplomats' wives at the Japanese Embassy in China.
Began teaching tea ceremony at Yokota Air Base for the Self-Defense Forces.

May 2020: Established Chawa Masudaya LLC.

Tea Ceremony Information

Meeting point

Chawa Masudaya

Meeting place will be decided upon consultation with the customer.

Hotel pickup is also available for an additional fee.

Tour Duration

Approximately 1 hours.

Accessibility

Everyone is welcome to participate. Of course, children who can walk are also welcome to join, accompanied by a parent.

Please inform us in advance if you have any food allergies.