An Intimate Tea Ceremony with Master Kihachiro Nishiura

by Chikako Koike

On April 4, SJA was pleased to welcome eighteen participants to a special Japanese matcha tea ceremony presentation led by the renowned Master Kihachiro Nishiura.

Master Nishiura, the creator of the Nishiura Style, has exhibited and demonstrated his calligraphy, incense ceremonies, flower arrangements, and art installations in Japan, the United States, and Europe.

Before demonstrating a traditional tea-making performance, Master Nishiura explained the process and meaning of the highly ritualized way of serving and drinking matcha tea. Each action and manner during the ceremony conveys respect to the guests or the host, without words. Master Nishiura and his assistants served a piece of sweet and a cup of matcha tea to each guest, who enjoyed the sweet first, followed by the tea's color, flavor, and taste.

At the end of the event, Master Nishiura explained that a Japanese traditional tea ceremony is meant to provide slow, quiet, and peaceful moments, escaping from our busy, unstoppable daily lives. "Words are not important," he said. "Just enjoy the feelings of the moment."

After the event, Master Nishiura chatted with the participants, answered questions, and took photos with them. The event offered a serene experience on a beautiful spring day.