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Table-Style Tea Ceremony Experience – August 2026 at the Zurich Canton Japan Festival

**“Table-Style Tea Ceremony Experience – August 2026 at the Zurich Canton Japan Festival”**

**Dates:** August 15 & 16
**Venue:** Teuchelweiherplatz, Winterthur
(Obermühlestrasse, 8400 Winterthur)

We are currently looking for **two volunteers (first come, first served)** to help with our **Table-Style Tea Ceremony workshops** at the festival.

A small amount of English will be required, such as
“Please enjoy the sweets.”

🎟 **Tickets for this year are already on sale!** Click here

As a thank-you, **those who help us will be shown around Switzerland afterwards!**

Even without prior tea ceremony experience, you can become a tea ceremony instructor!
For the **Certified Instructor Training Course**, click here!

By clicking the links below, you earn us **10 support points**.
Thank you very much for your kind support! Blogmura – Swiss Life AbroadBlogmura – Kimono & Japanese Fashion

Table-Style Tea Ceremony Experience
Table-Style Tea Ceremony Experience
Table-Style Tea Ceremony Experience
Table-Style Tea Ceremony Experience
Table-Style Tea Ceremony Experience
Table-Style Tea Ceremony Experience

 

2nd World Matcha Forum – Event Highlights & Donation Report | +80% from Last Year

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**.

🍵
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.

🎥
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).

🍵 Thank You for Your Generous Support — Donor List of the World Matcha Forum 2025

With heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has helped carry culture and peace into the future.

Our sincere appreciation goes to all donors who supported the World Matcha Forum 2025.

🌿 Major Donors (10,000 JPY / 55 CHF and above)

Name Country
Haruka Studer Switzerland
Yoshiko Seiler Switzerland
Yukiko Hofstetter Switzerland
Yoko Kinoshita (Sushi Yoko) Switzerland
Masako Yamaoka Switzerland
Louise Stapfer Switzerland
Fusako Saji Japan
Takako Kobayashi (Genki Gakuen) Japan
Nobuko Kinoshita Japan
Mayumi Lehman Germany
M. Y. Switzerland

💚 Other Donors

Name Country
Miki Blossom Switzerland
Akiko Ihara Japan
Kaoru Kambe Japan
Yukie Sakakura Japan
Kristina Ogneva Russia
Takako Nikaido Japan
Yuki Nishimura Korea
A.S Japan
Tome Kamiooka Japan
Kimi Kimi Switzerland
Akiho Nishimura Japan
Shizuka von Atzigen Switzerland
Akemi Terakita Japan
Yumiko Suzuki Japan
Yukiyo Kurawaki Japan
Lisa Nagano Japan
Miyako Kuno Japan
A. Breiter Switzerland
Tomoko Nagae Japan
Miki Sato Spain
Maki Niisoe Japan
Yasuko Inada Japan
Motoko Nakamura Japan
Akemi Takaki Japan
Tomonori Tsuji Japan
Kaoru Stocker Switzerland
Masami Kondo Japan
Yuzo Egashira Japan
Yuki Sugahara Japan
Shoko Chiba Japan
Masako Jinnai Japan
Terumi Komura Japan
Takako Ito Japan
Rikako Shibuya Japan
Junko Aota Japan
Noriko Suzuki Japan
Junko Saeki Japan
Y. M. Switzerland
Tomoyo Kawata Japan
Yuka Minami Japan
World Matccha Forum 2
World Matccha Forum 2

🌿 2nd World Matcha Forum | Guest Speaker Announcement

🌿 2nd World Matcha Forum | Guest Speaker Announcement

We are pleased to announce that Ambassador Keiichi Hara,
Director of the Foreign Service Training Institute
at Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will join us as a guest speaker
at the 2nd World Matcha Forum to be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025.

Ambassador Hara once had the honor of observing the late Grand Master Sen Genshitsu (Urasenke XV)
preparing tea at the Ministry’s training institute.
He also volunteered for an overseas assignment in Afghanistan, where he was deeply involved in
cultural preservation and peace-related activities amid the challenges of post-conflict society.

Drawing on these valuable experiences, Ambassador Hara will share insights under the theme of
“Culture and Peace” and lead an interactive quiz session featuring episodes from his time abroad.

Ambassador Hara is also a high school classmate of the organizer, Yoko Kinoshita.
Through this forum, we hope that matcha will serve as a bridge for people around the world to connect
and share a common wish for peace and cultural understanding.

🕊️ About the World Matcha Forum
The forum is a charity event to support recovery from the Noto Peninsula Earthquake.
All proceeds will be donated to the Wajima Lacquerware Restoration Fund
and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

📅 Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025
🕒 Time: 10:00 PM Japan Time / 3:00 PM Switzerland Time
💚 More information and tickets:

https://kimono-club.ch/en/2025/08/29/announcement-2nd-world-matcha-forum/

A video archive will be shared after the event, and donations are sincerely appreciated.
We look forward to seeing you at the forum!

World Matccha Forum 1
World Matccha Forum 1

🎍Announcement: 5th “Afternoon Tea & Tea Gathering @ Tokyo Nihonbashi” Day2

🎍 Announcement: 2026 New Year “Afternoon Tea & Table-Style Tea Ceremony @ Nihonbashi” – Day 2

We are delighted to announce the 5th edition of our popular “Afternoon Tea Gathering.” to be held in Nihonbashi.

Enjoy a glamorous afternoon tea on the hotel’s executive floor,
followed by a table-style tea ceremony in a private room with views of Tokyo Tower.
Spend a serene New Year’s afternoon in kimono, savoring a touch of the extraordinary.

🌸 Theme

“Open the door to a new world — and live your best life!”

📍 Event Details

Date & Time
Saturday, January 17, 2026 — 12:30–17:15

Venue
Royal Park Hotel (Directly connected to Suitengu-mae Station, Nihonbashi)

Afternoon tea setting

Part 1: Afternoon Tea Time
12:30–15:30 (2 hours) 6,900 JPY

(Day 2 offers a relaxed two-hour session. Day 1 Part 1 is 1.5 hours, and you can enjoy the night view during Part 2.)

At the executive lounge, enjoy an afternoon tea buffet with free-flow drinks and sweets.
(Scones, cup desserts, brownies, cookies, sandwiches, coffee, tea, juice, draft beer, and sparkling wine)

The first part is filled with excitement and warmth. As the new year begins, unwind and enjoy friendly conversation while sharing your dreams and reflections. Surrounded by delicious tea and sweets, you’ll naturally find a cozy atmosphere and plenty of smiles.

Table-style tea ceremony (Tokyo Tower night view)

Part 2: Table-Style Tea Ceremony
15:45–17:15 (1.5 hours) 6,900 JPY

Enjoy a mindful and tranquil time in a private room overlooking Tokyo Tower.

In Part 2, you will experience the world of the table-style tea ceremony. Through learning how to receive and enjoy tea, you will also explore the use of kaishi (tea paper), table coordination, and the meanings behind the tea bowl and utensils, while touching on seasonal words (kigo) and teachings from the Analects of Confucius. Through tea, you will nurture a heart that cherishes “this very moment,” gently realign yourself, and welcome the new year with calmness.

👉 Join both sessions for a special set price: 13,500 JPY
(Early-bird discount until November 30: 13,000 JPY)

Cancellation Policy:
20% within 7 days prior, 50% within 2 days prior, 100% on the event day.

🎫 How to Apply

Please send us a message on Instagram:
👉 @sushi_yoko_kimono

Or contact us by email:
📩 E-mail: info@kimono-club.ch

 

Bank Transfer
Mitsubishi UFJ Bank, Himeji Branch (Code 496)
Account No.: 0219129 — Yoko Kinoshita

✨We look forward to celebrating the New Year with you.
Please reserve your spot early!

We will host a Kimono & Matcha Experience for your team (for sponsors)

2nd World Matcha Forum｜October 25, 2025, 10:00 pm JST (Online)


Back to Event Overview

Opening Remarks: Ambassador of Japan to Switzerland (planned) ｜ Donations: Wajima Lacquerware Revival & ICRC

For Companies and Institutions

As a sponsor, you will receive a special Kimono & Matcha Experience.
Perfect for employee well-being, CSR, client hospitality, and intercultural education. ✨

Benefits of Sponsorship

  • 🌏 Peace & Cultural Exchange: Demonstrates commitment to peace and international cultural exchange, enhancing social trust and global brand image.
  • 🍵 Sustainability Appeal: Matcha is a sustainable and healthy drink, supporting ESG/CSR communication and highlighting environmental awareness.
  • 🧘 Employee Well-being: Mindfulness through tea practice reduces stress and improves concentration.
  • 🤝 Client & Community Engagement: Matcha events provide opportunities to connect with clients and strengthen community ties.
  • ⭐ Publicity: Exposure on the official website, slides, SNS, and press releases increases recognition nationally and internationally.

Sponsorship Levels & Benefits

🌿 Bronze

  • 300 CHF
  • Logo on the official website
  • Mention in event slides
  • 🎟️ Admission tickets: 12 people (online equivalent: approx. CHF 300)
  • 🤝 Instagram co-post (optional)
  • 📘 Facebook post: 1 time
  • 📱 Stories mention: 1 time

🍵 Silver

  • 1,000 CHF
  • Verbal acknowledgment at the opening / Mention in SNS & participant emails
  • Benefit: one Kimono & Matcha Experience (onsite or online)
    👉 Normally offered via the Matcha Workshop at CHF 110 per person.
    Within Canton Zurich, travel expenses are included, making this a very attractive sponsor benefit.
  • 🏢 Onsite participation limit: up to 10 people (CHF 110 × 10 = CHF 1,100 value)
  • 🎟️ Admission tickets: 30 people (online equivalent: CHF 25 × 30 = CHF 750 value)
  • 💡 Total value estimate: approx. CHF 1,850 (onsite + online)
  • 🤝 Instagram co-post (optional)
  • 📘 Facebook posts: 2 times
  • 📱 Stories mentions: 2 times

🎖 Gold

  • 3,000 CHF
  • Prominent logo in program / Mention in press release / Special thank-you page
  • Benefit: customized cultural workshop (kimono etiquette, matcha & wagashi, lecture, etc.)
    👉 Normally based on the Matcha Workshop at CHF 110 per person.
    Within Canton Zurich, travel expenses are included, making this a premium and cost-effective sponsor benefit.
  • 🏢 Onsite participation limit: up to 30 people (CHF 110 × 30 = CHF 3,300 value)
  • 🎟️ Admission tickets: 100 people (online equivalent: CHF 25 × 100 = CHF 2,500 value)
  • 💡 Total value estimate: approx. CHF 5,800 (onsite + online)
  • 🤝 Instagram co-post (optional)
  • 📘 Facebook posts: 3 times
  • 📱 Stories mentions: 3 times

Contact us here

🎍Announcement: 5th “Afternoon Tea & Tea Gathering @ Tokyo Nihonbashi” Day1

🎍 Announcement: 2026 New Year “Afternoon Tea & Table-Style Tea Ceremony @ Nihonbashi” – Day 1

Our popular “Afternoon Tea Gathering” returns for its 5th edition in Nihonbashi.

Enjoy a glamorous afternoon tea on the hotel’s executive floor,
followed by a table-style tea ceremony in a private room overlooking Tokyo Tower.
Spend a serene New Year’s afternoon in kimono, savoring a touch of the extraordinary.

🌸 Theme

“Open the door to a new world — and live your best life!”

📍 Event Details

Date & Time
Friday, January 16, 2026 — 15:00–18:15

Venue
Royal Park Hotel (Directly connected to Suitengu-mae Station, Nihonbashi)

Afternoon tea setting

Part 1: Afternoon Tea Time
15:00–16:30 (1.5 hours) 6,900 JPY

Enjoy an all-you-can-eat, free-flow afternoon tea at the executive lounge.
(Scones, cup desserts, brownies, cookies, sandwiches, coffee, tea, juice, draft beer, and sparkling wine)

Part 1 is filled with excitement and warmth. As the new year begins, unwind and enjoy friendly conversation, sharing your dreams and thoughts with one another. Surrounded by delicious tea and sweets, smiles naturally spread in a cozy atmosphere.

(While Day 2 offers a relaxed two-hour session, Day 1 lets you enjoy the night view during Part 2.)

Private room with Tokyo Tower view

Part 2: Table-Style Tea Ceremony
16:45–18:15 (1.5 hours) 6,900 JPY

Enjoy a mindful, tranquil tea gathering in a private room with a beautiful night view of Tokyo Tower.

In Part 2, experience the world of the table-style tea ceremony. Through learning how to receive and enjoy tea, you’ll also explore the use of kaishi (tea paper), table coordination, and the meanings behind the tea bowl and utensils, while touching on seasonal words (kigo) and teachings from the Analects of Confucius. Through tea, you’ll nurture a heart that cherishes “this very moment,” gently realign yourself, and welcome the new year with calmness.

👉 Join both sessions for a special set price: 13,500 JPY
(Early-bird discount until November 30: 13,000 JPY)

Cancellation Policy:
20% within 7 days prior, 50% within 2 days prior, 100% on the event day.

🎫

Announcement: The 2nd World Matcha Forum

📢 Announcement: The 2nd World Matcha Forum

Following last year’s success, we are pleased to announce the 2nd World Matcha Forum!
Once again, we invite everyone around the world to connect through matcha and share thoughts on culture and peace.

🗓 Date & Time
Saturday, October 25, 2025
22:00 Japan Standard Time (Online via ZOOM)

🌿 Program

  • Opening Remarks
    Kimono Club Switzerland
  • Guest Address
    Mr. Takehiro Okubo, Chargé d’affaires ad interim, Embassy of Japan in Switzerland
  • Current Situation in Wajima
    Introduction to Rescue & Reborn (Reconstruction Project)
  • Quiz Session
    Part 1: Quiz on Dr. Sen Genshitsu, 15th Grand Master of Urasenke (Hosted by Sushi Yoko)Part 2: Quiz on Ambassador Keiichi Hara’s time in Afghanistan (Presented by Ambassador Keiichi Hara)
    About Ambassador Keiichi Hara
    ・January 2018 – Minister, Embassy of Japan in Afghanistan
    ・October 2023 – Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Djibouti
    ・Currently – Director General, Foreign Service Training Institute, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
    ・He once received direct instruction from the late Grand Master Dr. Sen Genshitsu during his training at the institute.
  • Tea Ceremony Demonstration + Participant Experience
  • Moment of Silence
    In remembrance of the late Grand Master and for world peace

*The event will be conducted in both Japanese and English.

🌸 About Dr. Sen Genshitsu (1923–2025)

Dr. Sen Genshitsu, the 15th Grand Master of the Urasenke school of tea, survived World War II after being trained as a kamikaze pilot. He devoted his life to peace, vowing to use his “life that was spared” to promote harmony through the spirit of tea.
Guided by his principle, “Peacefulness through a Bowl of Tea,” he conducted over 300 tea ceremonies in more than 70 countries, advocating for peace and international understanding.
Although he passed away in August 2025 at the age of 102, his legacy continues to inspire people across the world.

🌏 Reflections as a Japanese Citizen

Whenever I travel abroad, I am deeply touched by the respect and trust people show toward Japan and the Japanese people.
Behind that trust are the efforts of our predecessors who built Japan’s reputation with sincerity and humility, for which I feel profound gratitude.

The late Grand Master Sen Genshitsu was one of those predecessors.
Now that he has passed, I believe it is our turn to consider how we, as Japanese citizens and global citizens alike, can contribute to peace in our time.
May this forum serve as a place for us to reflect on that question together.

🌿 Donation Recipients

1️⃣ Wajima Lacquerware Cooperative Association
👉 Official Website

2️⃣ International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC, Geneva Headquarters)
In honor of Dr. Sen’s message of “Peacefulness through a Bowl of Tea,” part of the proceeds will be donated to the ICRC to support those suffering from wars and conflicts.

The ICRC, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, is a global humanitarian organization based on the Geneva Conventions. Geneva is home to numerous international institutions including the UN Office (UNOG), WHO, ILO, and WTO. The ICRC’s mission is to protect the lives and dignity of people affected by armed conflicts.

ICRC Geneva

💡 Participation Fee

All participation fees will be donated to the above organizations.
Your participation itself is a meaningful contribution to supporting the reconstruction of Wajima and humanitarian efforts by the ICRC.
Those who cannot join live will receive a recording of the event afterward.

🌱 Report from the 1st Forum

The proceeds from the 1st World Matcha Forum were donated to the Wajima Lacquerware Cooperative Association.
👉 Click here for the financial report

🎟 Tickets

Get your ticket on Peatix
https://world-matcha-forum-20251025.peatix.com/

Click here for Sponsor Packages (Gold / Silver / Bronze)

We look forward to welcoming participants from all over the world!

Sushi Yoko
https://www.instagram.com/sushi_yoko_com/

Kimono Blossom
https://www.instagram.com/kimono.blossom.ch/

Mayumi Lehmann
https://www.instagram.com/mayumilehmann/

World Matcha Forum

Two-Day Yukata Workshop in Winterthur, Switzerland

Yukata sale Day1 at chibicon.ch

 

Yukata sale Day1 at chibicon.ch

 

Yukata sale Day1 at chibicon.ch

 

Yukata sale Day 2 at chibicon.ch

 

Yukata Workshop Day 1 at chibicon.ch

 

 

Yukata Workshop Day 2 at chibicon.ch

 

Over two days at the pop culture event in Winterthur, we held a yukata workshop and hosted a sales booth.

On the first morning, I had my usual fear: “What if we don’t sell a single yukata?” But to my surprise, the men’s yukatas almost sold out, and on the second day we even had to urgently restock the women’s models. Many participants traveled not only from Switzerland but also from neighboring countries, which showed the strong interest in Japanese culture.

Throughout the workshop and at the booth, people told us how happy they were to experience Japanese culture through anime and cosplay. Seeing participants try on yukata, take photos with bright smiles, and connect with new friends was truly inspiring.

A heartfelt thank you to Hayami-san, Blossom-san, and the entire organizing team for their wonderful support. I look forward to creating more opportunities where people can enjoy Japanese culture through yukata and kimono.

 

 

Full House! Matcha Experience Report from the Pop Culture Event

Matcha workshop Day 1 Chibicon.ch

 

Matcha workshop Day 1 Chibicon.ch

 

Matcha workshop Day 1 meditation

 

Matcha workshop Day 1 at Chibicon.ch

 

Matcha workshop Day 2 at Chibicon.ch

 

Matcha workshop Day 2 at Chibicon.ch

 

Full House! Matcha Experience Report from the Pop Culture Event

— Exploring Japanese Culture through Quiz, Wagashi, and Meditation —

🍵 Our two-day #Matcha workshop has come to a close – and what an unforgettable experience it was!

Before the event, I honestly wondered: “Will people at a pop culture convention really care about matcha?” To my surprise, both sessions were completely full, and we even had to add extra seats 👏✨

Many participants told me, “I often make matcha lattes at home,” while others admitted, “This is my very first time holding a bamboo whisk.” Watching beginners and seasoned fans side by side, smiling as they prepared tea together, was truly heartwarming.

As always, our “Matcha Quiz” was a highlight. Nobody managed to get all the answers right this year either – but that challenge sparked laughter, conversations, and a wonderful sense of connection. After the quiz, we shared wagashi, prepared matcha together, and closed with a short meditation. In the middle of a lively pop culture event full of anime, cosplay, and manga, those few quiet moments of mindfulness felt all the more special.

After 20 years in Switzerland, seeing Japanese culture embraced so naturally within the world of pop culture feels like a dream to me.

To everyone who joined, and to the dedicated organizing team – thank you from the bottom of my heart. I look forward to the next chance to share these precious “moments of matcha” with you 💐

🎥 Watch the highlights in this short video:
👉 View Instagram Reel

🌸 Would you like to try matcha at home?
We also host small-group matcha events with wagashi. Reserve your spot here:
👉 Matcha & Sweets Experience – Reservation Page