On December 18, 2015, an event for international students of Tokyo University of the Arts was held. “Chanoyu (the Japanese Way of Tea) and Japanese culture” took place at Kankyuan Tokyo Brunch of Mushakouji Senke located in Tokyo’s Bunkyo ward, where 17 international students from 10 countries and region accompanied by 5 university staff members enjoyed a traditional tea ceremony.

On a wall of the tea room was the hanging scroll “Buji”, a Japanese word representing a well and sound state at the year end. This hanging scroll is often a preferred option to flavor a wall in the month of December. A Chinese student looked interested in the cursive style of the Japanese calligraphy.

A student in the Ceramics course taking the Kamiza (seat of honor) was gratefully served tea in a valuable bowl created by a TUA graduate. He was appreciating the cup in his hand, checking from different angles.
The participants were introduced to other tea utensils such as Natsume (tea caddy) and Futa-oki (lit and ladle rest).

Then, a formal program of tea ceremony and a history of tea gatherings by samurais were explained by the 14th Head Master Futessai Mushakouji Sen Soshu. The students were informed of the three family lines known as the san-Senke through the Kankyuan leaflet and surprised by the fact that multiple schools exist in the Japanese Way of Tea. A student asked a question about the differences of manners between each school.

Later, five different tea bowls of different ages and origins were introduced and their respective features were also explained. The students were given a chance to hold them to see the differences.

Before departure, the group visited a small tea house in the garden, which they enjoyed, particularly the unfamiliar look of the interior of the tea room.
Through this short but unusual experience of Japanese culture, the participating international students expanded their knowledge about Japan.

Deep appreciation to the staff members of Kankyuan for their time and support.