In the Hagoromo no Ma room, where dignitaries are traditionally served aperitifs, you will also be offered a pre-meal drink.
As you wait for the commencement of the event, please enjoy the soothing ambiance created by live traditional Japanese music.
This will also be a splendid opportunity to engage with the custodians of Japanese culinary culture.
Engage with Artisans : Wagashi
Often hailed as an edible art form, "nerikiri" is a traditional Japanese confectionery (wagashi) made from sweetened white bean paste and mochi, and it is recognized as a registered Intangible Cultural Property by the Agency for Cultural Affairs.
The origin of these sweets can be traced back to the 600s, evolving through the tea-drinking culture of the 1300s.
Crafted to represent the seasons of Japan and the natural beauty of its flora and fauna, nerikiri represents the Japanese people's
feelings towards the four seasons and is a symbol of hospitality in Japan.
While you enjoy nerikiri and tea, you can engage with nerikiri artisan Chisato Nakamiya, as she puts the finishing touches on confections, and even experience making your own edible art
Chisato Nakamiya
Morihachi, a heritage wagashi store in Kanazawa, has been in business since 1625. Its current owner, Chisato Nakamiya, is the 19th generation to inherit this illustrious history. She stands out as a remarkable talent, having been recognized by the National Association of Japanese Sweets as an outstanding wagashi craftsperson, becoming the first and youngest woman to receive this accolade.
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Engage with Artisans: Japanese Ceramics
Traditional Washoku dishes should be served on traditional ceramic tableware.
Their plating reflects Japanese sentiment towards the four seasons.
During the event, you can enjoy engaging with ceramic artisan Shinji Terauchi as he paints his wares. You will have the opportunity to try your hand at painting your own item as well. (Painted wares will be sent to your residence at a later date.)
Shinji Terauchi
Arita ware, crafted in and around Arita Town in Saga Prefecture, was born in 1616 as Japan's first porcelain. Arita ware is produced in and around Arita in Saga Prefecture.
Riso Porcelain was established on the site of the former residence of potter Yi Sam-pyeong, the founder of Arita porcelain.
Its artisans carry on the porcelain craft, aiming to generate emotion with their art.
Shinji Teranai, its current master, will engage with guests. The dinnerware produced by this kiln is favored by various restaurants, including Osteria Francescana, Mugaritz, Gaggan, and MUME.
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Engage with Artisans: Sake Brewers
Sake is deeply tied to Japan's Shinto rituals and traditional cuisine.
This national beverage symbolizes Japan's climate and geography, as well as the patience, precision, and subtlety characteristic of the Japanese people. During the event, representatives from two breweries will be present, allowing you to engage in conversation while sampling their fine sake.
Iwao Niizawa
Niizawa Brewery, founded in 1873 and located in Miyagi Prefecture, produces renowned sake brands like 'Hakurakusei' and 'Atago no Matsu.' While most breweries' chief sake makers, known as Toji, are usually male, this brewery's Toji is a 27-year-old woman. She has gained international recognition, winning the highest accolades two years in a row at the 2023 International Wine Challenge held in London. Niizawa Brewery is also a frequent top contender in other competitions, making it one of Japan's leading breweries. You can look forward to experiencing their exceptional hospitality.
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Takenosuke Yasufuku
Takenosuke Yasufuku is the 13th-generation owner of Kobe Shushinkan Breweries, LTD., a brewery established in 1751 in the Nada district of Kobe. He studied at a university in the United States and after returning to Japan, he gained experience working in a beer company. Since becoming president in 2011, he has positioned the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the core of his business management and continued to take on new challenges. In 2022, he made waves in the industry by launching the world's first carbon-neutral sake, embodying his commitment to eco-friendly sake production.
His efforts have been recognized, with his brewery being selected for the Water Management Award and ranking in the Top 3 Ethical Companies of the Year at the 2020 Green Awards, hosted by The Drinks Business, a leading drinks industry publisher in the UK. In addition, since 2008, their 'Fukuju Junmai Ginjo' has been chosen time and again as the sake served at official Nobel Prize events. It has received high acclaim both domestically and internationally.
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Engage with artisans: Tea master
The tradition of tea-drinking in Japan finds its roots in the journeys of Buddhist monks who traveled to and from China for study approximately 1200 years ago. Among them, the monk Eisai is celebrated for not only introducing matcha, the tea essential to the Japanese tea ceremony, but also for sharing the techniques of its cultivation around 700 years ago.
The tea ceremony, known as Chado in Japanese, is widely regarded as the quintessential cultural art of Japan, reflecting the very essence of Japanese aesthetics. Within this serene setting, the host and guests come together to pursue the Four Principles of Harmony, Respect, Purity, and Tranquility.
We sincerely wish that everyone has the opportunity to experience this once in a lifetime moment.
Randy Channell Soei
Randy Channell Soei is a Canadian living in Kyoto where he has been teaching the way of tea for over 25 years. He originally came to Japan to study the martial arts but soon began studying tea to balance his martial training.
His bilingual book “The Book of Chanoyu~Tea the Master Key to Japanese Culture” was on Amazon’s bestseller list.
He is the owner of ran Hotei, a small Japanese Café / gallery near the Nijo Castle, and has his own original line of matcha.
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