Table Tea Ceremony: A Japanese cultural experience where tradition and innovation merge

The tea ceremony, a symbol of traditional Japanese culture, is more than just a ritual of drinking tea; it is a comprehensive art form that embodies the spirit of hospitality and the aesthetics of wabi and sabi.

However, the pain of sitting on the floor and the complicated etiquette have created a barrier, giving many foreigners and the younger generation an image of a high threshold for tea ceremony.

This is where “table tea ceremony” comes in. This style, in which participants sit on chairs at a table, is attracting attention as an innovative way to experience Japanese culture in a more casual manner while maintaining the spirit of the traditional tea ceremony.

This article explores the appeal and history of table tea ceremonies and the reasons why people around the world love them so much.

History of the Tea Ceremony: A Path of Silence and the Search for Beauty

The Birth and Development of the Japanese Tea Ceremony

The establishment of the tea ceremony as a culture that emphasizes spirituality dates back to the late Muromachi period (1333-1573).

Murata Jukou, a priest of Shomyoji Temple in Nara, proposed the ideal of “Soan-no-cha,” or “tea in a hermitage,” which shifted the traditional lavish and spacious tea ceremony to a simple and serene four-and-a-half-tatami mat room.

Jukou taught tea to Ashikaga Yoshimasa, who incorporated Zen philosophy into the tea ceremony, giving it cultural significance beyond mere drinking.

The tea ceremony of Shumitsu was more than a mere beverage.

Rather than using expensive Chinese utensils, Shumitsu's tea ceremony incorporated Japanese elements, such as bamboo and wood, which made it simpler and more profound.

This became the prototype for wabicha, a form of chanoyu in which the host and guest commune in a wabi-style atmosphere1.

The Evolution of Wabicha: From Takeno Shao'o to Sen no Rikyu

Takeno Shao'o, who inherited Shuko's teachings, further developed wabicha.

He established the form of tea ceremony in a more modest tea room and emphasized the spirituality of entertaining guests in a simple space.

Later, Sen no Rikyu perfected the tea ceremony.

Born in Sakai, Rikyu served Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi and mastered the tea ceremony.

By reducing the tea room to the minimum space of two tatami mats and using simple utensils, Rikyu pursued the spirit of wabicha to the utmost limit.

His tea ceremony became an art form and an important part of Japanese culture1.

The Tea Ceremony after the Edo Period

The tea ceremony of Sen no Rikyu was continued by his disciples, called “the seven philosophers of Rikyu,” including Furuta Oribe and Hosokawa Sansai, and by his descendants, the Omotesenke, Urasenke, and Mushanokoji Senke schools.

The tea ceremony developed further in the Edo period, becoming a culture beloved by feudal lords and wealthy merchants.

Even after the Meiji Restoration, the tea ceremony remained an important part of Japanese culture and was introduced to the world by Kakuzo Okamoto (Tenshin).

Today, the tea ceremony continues to symbolize the Japanese spirit of hospitality.

The Essence of Tea Ceremony: Wabi, Sabi and Omotenashi

Aesthetics of Wabi and Sabi

One of the reasons the Japanese tea ceremony is so special is its unique aesthetic of wabi and sabi. Wabi” expresses the deep beauty that resides in something simple and humble, while ‘sabi’ is the positive view of change over time as a form of beauty.

These values developed uniquely in Japan and are based on Zen.

In the tea ceremony, the concept of wabi and sabi is rooted in everything from utensils to clothing, decoration, and manners.

This aesthetic sense is the basis of the values in the tea ceremony and is an essential cultural element in understanding the identity of the Japanese people.

The Essence of Omotenashi

At the heart of the tea ceremony is the spirit of omotenashi.

In the tea ceremony, where a single cup of tea is used to provide the utmost in hospitality, every gesture is imbued with the meaning of hospitality.

The “Seven Rules of Rikyu,” by Sen no Rikyu, is a well-known teaching on the spirit of hospitality.

These rules express the spirit of “to discern the true nature of things and treat others with respect,” and form the basis of Japan's hospitality culture.

This spirit of “Omotenashi” has had a widespread influence not only on the tea ceremony, but also on the modern Japanese service industry and business.

The spirit of “ichigo ichie” (one encounter per lifetime) is another idea born from the tea ceremony, which teaches us to cherish the present moment as “this encounter is something precious that will never happen again.

The Essence of Omotenashi

At the heart of the tea ceremony is the spirit of omotenashi.

In the tea ceremony, where a single cup of tea is used to provide the utmost in hospitality, every gesture is imbued with the meaning of hospitality.

The “Seven Rules of Rikyu,” by Sen no Rikyu, is a well-known teaching on the spirit of hospitality.

These rules express the spirit of “to discern the true nature of things and treat others with respect,” and form the basis of Japan's hospitality culture.

This spirit of “Omotenashi” has had a widespread influence not only on the tea ceremony, but also on the modern Japanese service industry and business.

The spirit of “ichigo ichie” (one encounter per lifetime) is another idea born from the tea ceremony, which teaches us to cherish the present moment as “this encounter is something precious that will never happen again.

The Birth and Development of Table Tea Ceremony

Background of the Table Tea Ceremony

Traditional tea ceremonies were based on sitting on tatami mats, but this was a physical burden and a barrier, especially for foreigners and the elderly.

Table Tea Ceremony is a new format that was created to solve these problems.

Table tea ceremonies are practiced on a table while sitting on a chair, and were designed so that anyone, regardless of age, can easily experience the tea ceremony.

Table tea ceremonies are particularly popular among foreign people who are not comfortable sitting on the floor, and have been gaining popularity in recent years.

Balance of Tradition and Innovation

Table Tea Ceremony has been developed into a more modern and practical form while maintaining the essential aesthetics of “Omotenashi” (hospitality) and “Shitsure” (spatial presentation) of the tea ceremony.

It is based on the components of the tea ceremony, such as manners, knowledge, and ideas, but is practiced in a modern setting of a table and chairs.

Thus, Table Tea Ceremony has developed by striking a balance between respect for tradition and modern arrangements.

Table Tea Ceremony Popular among Foreigners

As a Comprehensive Experience of Japanese Culture

The main reason why the tea ceremony, especially table tea ceremony, is so popular among foreigners is that it allows you to experience many aspects of Japanese culture in a single experience.

In addition to tasting matcha green tea and wagashi (Japanese sweets), you can also experience various aspects of Japanese culture at once, including traditional crafts such as kimonos, tea ceremony utensils, and seasonal performances.

For foreign visitors who wish to experience more of Japanese culture during their limited visit to Japan, the tea ceremony has become a “can't miss” experience.

Table tea ceremonies are lowering the barriers and providing more people with the opportunity to experience the essence of Japanese culture.

Synergy with the Global Matcha Boom

In recent years, matcha has become a global sweet flavor and is served in cafes and restaurants around the world.

According to a survey by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the amount of green tea exported as a raw material has been increasing year after year, and by 2023 it will have increased by 21% over the previous year.

Known overseas as “Matcha,” matcha is valued not only for its bright color and flavor, but also for its high nutritional value, as represented by catechins and vitamin C.

Thus, the familiarity with matcha itself has increased people's desire to experience an authentic tea ceremony, leading to the popularity of table tea ceremonies2.

Table Tea Ceremony as a Place for International Exchange

Table tea ceremonies also function as a venue for international exchange.

For example, in Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture, a tea ceremony was held to interact with foreigners living in the prefecture through table-style tea ceremony.

Foreigners from the U.S. and New Zealand participated in the tea ceremony, which was conducted in English, providing an opportunity for communication that transcended language and cultural barriers.

A woman from the U.S. who attended said, “It was very calming.

It was nice to learn about the traditional culture of tea ceremony in a table style, “indicating that table tea ceremony is a friendly and touching experience for foreigners.

The Diverse Development of Table Tea Ceremony

Table Tea Ceremony as a Place of Education

Table tea ceremony is also used for educational purposes.

In table tea ceremony classes for elementary school students, the curriculum includes learning how to drink matcha (powdered green tea), how to receive sweets, and how to prepare tray dishes, while explaining one of Rikyu's 100 poems one by one.

This allows children to become familiar with traditional Japanese culture from an early age and naturally acquire the spirit of hospitality and etiquette.

The program also offers courses such as “Table Tea Ceremony for Parents and Children,” providing an opportunity to pass on Japanese culture from one generation to the next.

Application in the Business World

Table tea ceremony is also attracting attention in the business world.

When entertaining wealthy or VIP foreigners, a tea ceremony experience has special value.

Specialized companies such as Motenas Japan offer custom-made tea ceremony experiences that incorporate live Japanese instrumental music, and offer other higher-grade plans that are not available at regular tea ceremony classes.

These experiences help build relationships in the business world and bridge cross-cultural communication, and play a role in the global expansion of Japanese companies.

Online Table Tea Ceremony

Since the Corona Disaster, online table tea ceremonies have also appeared.

Through video conferencing systems, people around the world can now learn the tea ceremony from the comfort of their own homes.

This has spread the culture of the tea ceremony beyond geographical limitations and provided an opportunity for even more people to experience the traditional beauty of Japan.

The style of online instruction with a set of tea utensils sent in advance has been highly acclaimed, especially by Japanese culture enthusiasts living abroad.

Because participants can participate without restrictions on location or time, this is becoming a new form of promoting the tea ceremony.

The Future of the Tea Ceremony and Japanese Culture

Balancing Tradition with Innovation

The development of table tea ceremonies raises the big question of how traditional Japanese culture will adapt to modern society.

As stated in the following passage, “Urasenke is characterized by its willingness to adopt the trends of the times. ”In traditional culture, it is important to respond flexibly to changes in the times.

On the other hand, it is equally valuable to continue to preserve the essence of tradition, as stated in “Omotesenke is characterized by its faithful adherence to ancient manners

The table tea ceremony strikes a balance between these two approaches, and in doing so, it is paving the way for the future of tea ceremony culture.

Significance of the Tea Ceremony in a Global Society

In today's rapidly globalizing society, the values of the tea ceremony, such as “calming the mind” and “caring for others,” are becoming increasingly important.

In particular, the sincere attitude toward one another and the attitude of discerning the true nature of things, as expressed in the “Once-in-a-Lifetime Meeting” and the “Four Rules and Seven Regulations,” have universal value that transcends differences in nationality and culture.

Table tea ceremony is a medium to convey these essential values of the tea ceremony to a wider audience in a more accessible form.

The practice of table tea ceremony, which connects people across cultural barriers, is also contributing to international understanding and peace building.

Tea Ceremony in the Digital Age

As technology continues to advance and new digital spaces such as virtual reality and the metaverse expand, the tea ceremony is evolving as well, with cutting-edge technology and traditional culture beginning to merge, such as VR tea ceremony experiences and AI-based support for tea ceremony learning.

At first glance, these attempts may seem far removed from tradition, but they are also a challenge to communicate the essence of the tea ceremony, such as “hospitality” and “once-in-a-lifetime encounter,” more widely through the use of modern technology.

Digital technology has the potential to transmit and spread the value of traditional culture in a new form, rather than losing it.

Table Tea Ceremony Experience Guide for Foreigners

Preparation and Preparation for First-Time Visitors

Preparation and preparedness are important for foreigners who wish to experience table tea ceremony.

There is no specific dress code, but it is advisable to wear clean clothes that are easy to move around in.

Strong perfume should be avoided and accessories should be kept to a minimum for a better experience.

It is important to keep in mind that you should not try to learn the perfect etiquette of the tea ceremony in one sitting.

The purpose of table tea ceremony is to share the experience and enjoyment of Japanese culture.

It is important to enjoy and experience each movement without fear of making mistakes.

Table Tea Ceremony Experience Spots around Tokyo

Around Tokyo, more and more facilities are offering table tea ceremony experiences for foreigners.

For example, “Easy Tea Ceremony Cafe & Tea Ceremony Class Tsunagu” near Nishi-Koyama Station offers table tea ceremony tours.

For the reasonable price of 2,600 yen for 45 minutes, you can learn the basics of the tea ceremony, how to enjoy Japanese sweets, and how to prepare tea.

Renka in Tama Plaza also offers table tea ceremony tours for first-timers and those who are interested in the tea ceremony but feel it is too intimidating.

These locations also offer English-language services, so you can experience it without worrying about language barriers.

Online Resources and Communities

Foreigners interested in table tea ceremony can also take advantage of social networking sites and online communities, such as Instagram and YouTube, where they can search for the keywords “table tea ceremony” or “table tea ceremony” to find a variety of practical examples and instructional videos.

Official organizations such as the Japan Table Tea Ceremony Association also provide information in foreign languages.

By utilizing these online resources, it is possible to prepare before and review after the experience for deeper understanding and ongoing learning.

Participant's Voice&scene

Recommended Table Tea workshops

Matcha Tea Ceremony Experience with Japanese Sweets in Tokyo

Meet the Instructors.

Hiroko KanbayashiRepresentative Director, Japan Table Tea Ceremony AssociationRepresentative of Ayu-ryu Table Tea CeremonyMindfulness Tea Ceremony® Specialist.