We have all heard of Contemporary Japan’s mass cultural phenomena of karaoke, manga, and pachinko, which have all achieved global popularity. Originating in post-war Japan, these pastimes continue to make a significant cultural impact around the world. Despite their huge successes, they are not in the same league as Old Japan’s cultural arts of kōdō…
Why Host a Japanese Tea Ceremony at Home? Many of us live a hectic lifestyle and often work in stressful environments. While we may enjoy the work that we do, at times we need to take a break and find moments of peace. A Japanese tea ceremony is one way to refocus the mind and…
Tokyo, like any mega metropolis, is a myriad of electronic billboards and maddening traffic, yet still manages to stay efficient in spite of the chaos. You may think that to experience the authentic ‘old Japan’ your best bet would be to travel outside of Tokyo, but that doesn’t have to be the case! One of…
Japanese tea ceremonies are an ancient held tradition with a set of unique practices and meaning. The values and respect shown in the tea room can translate and enrich not only our own lives, but the lives of others. Read on to learn more about the importance of showing appreciation in all we do, and…