We are pleased to report on the successful completion of the 2nd World Matcha Forum and the donations raised through this event.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all **41 participants**, including the organizers and speakers.
For the opening address, we were honored to welcome **Mr. Okubo, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Japan in Switzerland**.
Our guest speaker was **Ambassador Hara** from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Training Institute.
The session began with a quiz about **Grand Tea Master Hounsai (鵬雲斎 大宗匠)**, followed by Ambassador Hara sharing a powerful and valuable message on **culture and peace**, based on his experience in Afghanistan.
Click here for more information about the guest speaker of the 2nd World Matcha Forum
Furthermore, we welcomed **Sister Chai (Trai Nghiem Akemi Uchida)**, a Japanese nun from **Plum Village, the largest Zen monastery in Europe**. She shared the profound message that *“Peace is not only something to wish for, but something to act upon”*, and led us in a moment of silent prayer.
We sincerely thank everyone for their time and dedication.
There were moments when we hesitated about holding the event due to the difficulty of collecting donations. However, thanks to your warm support and encouragement, we were able to make it happen successfully.
We are truly delighted that these funds will contribute to **the recovery of Wajima lacquerware artisans** and **support the humanitarian activities of the International Red Cross**.
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World Matcha Forum 2025 – List of Donors
We also invite you to join our Facebook Group **“World Matcha Forum”**, where we will share information about future events:
Official World Matcha Forum Facebook Group
【Donation Report】
🇯🇵 Donations in Japanese Yen:
* Via Peatix: 78,614 JPY (after fees)
* Bank transfer: 58,000 JPY Total: 136,614 JPY
🇨🇭 Donations in Swiss Francs:
* 829.93 CHF × 189.51 JPY = approx. 177,944 JPY
*Exchange rate: October 2025 average rate of 1 CHF = 189.51 JPY*
💰 Grand Total: 314,558 JPY
From this total:
* 157,279 JPY was donated for **Wajima lacquerware reconstruction**
* 829.93 CHF was donated to the **International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)**
Last year’s total donations were 174,352 JPY.
This year achieved an increase of approximately 80% (+140,206 JPY). ✨
Final Report
Thanks to your generosity, **157,279 JPY** was donated to the Wajima Lacquerware Cooperative Association (Official Website).
Below is the message we received from Mr. Sumi, Executive Director of the Association:
And here is a message from Wajima lacquerware artist Mr. Taiichi Kirimoto (Instagram).
Please continue to support them.
Below is the proof of transfer to the **International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)**:
Message from the ICRC (English translation)
“Thank you, Yoko.
Your donation of 830 Swiss francs to the International Committee of the Red Cross will help save and protect lives.
Together, we are humanity in action.
The ICRC is one of the few humanitarian organizations currently operating worldwide, able to reach people across frontlines and deliver life-saving food, water, and medical supplies quickly.
Thank you very much for your support.”
(Explanation of 93.5% on the pie chart)
93.5% of your donations go **directly to ICRC field operations**.
Thanks to your support, the following activities become possible:
- Provision of critical medical care
- Access to clean water and sanitation
- Reuniting separated families
- Emergency humanitarian assistance for the most vulnerable
The funds raised help heal wounds, restore dignity, and rebuild shattered lives step by step.
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How your donations are delivered (Video)
This event reminded us once again that **culture can only exist in peace**.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who work daily to protect that peace.
For any questions regarding this financial report, please contact us at:
E-Mail: [info@sushi-yoko.ch](mailto:info@sushi-yoko.ch)
We will continue supporting the recovery of the Noto earthquake region through our ongoing activities. The 3rd World Matcha Forum is scheduled for Saturday, October 24, 2026.
— World Matcha Forum Management Team
Kimono Blossom Instagram
Mayumi Lehmann Instagram
Sushi Yoko Instagram
**P.S.** After the forum, we held a small “Thank You” gathering with the Kimono Lunch Club members at the newly opened **Udon & Soba restaurant in Zurich**, Tanukiya (Official Website).
