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
— 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 💐
When I worked for an American company, I was overwhelmed by stress. I tried meditation, but my thoughts kept returning to programming…😅 What helped me was the quiet act of preparing matcha.
When I focus on whisking the tea, I feel my mind and brain gently switch modes.
This time, I shared that calm moment with over 30 guests and monks at the Zen temple “Plum Village” (@plumvillagefrance) in France 🇫🇷🌍
🍃 If you’re feeling stressed, this kind of tea time might help you too.
Held in a private lounge at ANA Crowne Plaza Osaka, we enjoyed a peaceful tea moment with a view of the night skyline.
This mindful tea practice helps reset your thoughts and calm your heart —
a perfect ritual for today’s busy lives.
Our second tea gathering of the day also went beautifully.
Thank you to everyone who joined us.
We are truly grateful for this once-in-a-lifetime encounter.
🫖 Today’s Tea and Sweets
Matcha: “Harugasumi” by Marukyu Koyamaen (Kyoto)
Wagashi: “Shōbu” nerikiri by Iseya Honten (Himeji)
Utensils: Wajima-nuri lacquerware and a bamboo motif tea bowl inspired by Ogata Kenzan
May the gentle southern breeze — as in the Zen phrase Kunpū ji nanrai —
bring peace to your heart.
🍵 Experience Matcha at Chibi-Con – Tea, Culture & Mindfulness
🗓 Date: Saturday, August 9 & Sunday, August 10, 2025 ⏰ Time:14:00–14:45 (approx. 45 minutes each day) 📍 Location: Chibi-Con, MZA Teuchelweiher, Winterthur 👘 Instructor: Workshop led by Sushi Yoko Instagram: 👉 @sushi_yoko_com 👉 @sushi_yoko_kimono
💰 Participation Fee:
CHF 20.– (includes Japanese sweet) Payable in cash or via TWINT on site Payment on site (cash or TWINT): CHF 25.–
🉐 Special Offer: 👉 Get CHF 5.– OFF if you also join the Yukata Workshop! (Only CHF 15.– when attending both workshops)
🍵 Workshop Highlights
Discover the beauty of Matcha and tea culture through a fun and mindful session:
Learn how to make and enjoy Matcha in the traditional way
Discover the history and cultural background of Japanese tea
Taste authentic Japanese Wagashi (tea sweets)
📚 Matcha & Tea Ceremony Quiz – with a prize for the winner!
🧘♀️ End the session with a mindful Matcha meditation for peace and calm
📸 Photo time with a Japanese Wagasa umbrella 👘 Matcha will be served by the instructor in a kimono
🉐 By the way: The Matcha workshop usually costs CHF 100.– when combined with a mochi-making session: 👉 Matcha with Sweets Workshop At Chibi-Con, you can join this unique experience for a special low price!
🇬🇧 Yukata at Chibi-Con! – Join the Yukata Workshop!
🎐 Come to Chibi-Con in a Yukata!
🗓 Date: Saturday, August 9 & Sunday, August 10, 2025 ⏰ Time: 11:30–12:20 (approx. 50 minutes) 📍 Location: Chibi-Con, MZA Teuchelweiher, Winterthur 👘 Instructor: The workshop will be led by Sushi Yoko
Instagram:
👉 @sushi_yoko_com
👉 @sushi_yoko_kimono
💰 Participation Fee:
CHF 30.– with advance bank transfer
CHF 35.– with cash or TWINT on the day
💠 FREE participation:
・When you purchase a yukata at our booth
・Or when you order a yukata online via kimono-club.ch
💡 Special Offer:
This workshop is equivalent to a beginner course worth CHF 100.– (see example),
but at Chibi-Con we offer it for just CHF 35.–!
👘 Yukata Sale from 10:30
Visit our booth before the workshop!
Starting at 10:30, we’ll be selling a selection of beautiful yukata for women and men. If you buy a yukata from us or online at kimono-club.ch, the workshop is free.
📝 Workshop Content
Learn how to wear a yukata, the traditional Japanese summer garment, properly and stylishly.
Perfect for beginners interested in Japanese culture, cosplay, or summer festivals.
You’ll receive step-by-step instructions and background on the traditions.
📸 At the end, enjoy taking a photo with a Japanese wagasa umbrella!
⏰ Schedule:
Time
Program
11:30–11:40
Introduction: What is a yukata? What is an obi?
11:40–12:10
Practical: How to wear a yukata & tie the obi
12:10–12:20
Styling tips, Q&A, and 📸 photo time with wagasa
※ Please plan about 5 minutes before and after for setup and cleanup.
🧳 Please bring:
Your own yukata (pre-ironed if possible)
Hanhaba obi (half-width sash)
Obi board (optional)
2 koshihimo (ties or substitutes like scarves or belts)
1 small towel (for adjusting body shape)
Leggings and a camisole (tank top) are required
Tabi socks (optional)
No mirror needed
※ A limited number of rental yukata are available upon request.
The second part, “Table Tea Ceremony,” also ended with a wave of emotion. A mindful moment to quietly face oneself in a space with a night view…✨ Thank you very much to everyone who participated. We are truly grateful for this once-in-a-lifetime encounter.
Today’s matcha was “Haru Kasumi,” a limited edition tea from Kyoto’s Marukyu Koyamaen (@marukyu.koyamaen_official) 🍵 The sweets were “Iris,” a type of Nerikiri cake from Himeji’s long-established Iseya Honten (@iseyahonten.himeji), in honor of the Boys’ Festival 🌿 The tools were a Wajima-nuri teacup and tea scoop, and a Kenzan-style tea bowl “Take,” and we cherished the May setting.
I hope that it was a time when the gentle southern breeze gently enveloped our hearts, just like the Zen phrase “Kunpu Jinanrai.”
I hope we can have tea time like this together in Europe someday.
And I hope that kimono friends will spread all over the world.
Let’s Connect with Kimono Friends Around the World! Thank you very much to everyone who attended the “Kimono Tea Party” held on May 6 at the ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel in Osaka.
We were lucky with the weather and were able to take pictures along the Dojima River without being rained on. We had a dreamy time surrounded by everyone’s gorgeous kimonos and smiling faces.
We were happy to be able to express our gratitude directly to those we met for the first time, to those who came from far away, and to everyone who has always supported us.
I can only express my gratitude to Ms. Aya Aya @ayaayaskimono for coming as a guest. Thanks to her students, Miki-san @kimono.blossom.ch and Kaoru-san who live in Switzerland. @kambe1960, to say nothing of the many thanks we owe to them, I realize that this event is possible thanks to many people. 🙏
Teachers from Table Style Tea Ceremony Tsubaki no Kai @tsubakinokai also came, thank you so much 🙏. Rika sensei @rika.hanaoka Rinko sensei @kimonorei0519 Yuki sensei @kimono_sweets_lover Misa sensei @kimono_misa Thank you very much.
I hope this wonderful relationship will continue.
I hope to see you in kimono in Europe someday. And I hope to make kimono friends all over the world.
Table-Style Tea Ceremony Experience – August 2025 at the Japan Festival in Zurich
Dates: August 9th and 10th
Location: Teuchelweiherplatz, Winterthur
(Obermühlestrasse, 8400 Winterthur)
We are looking for volunteers to help with a Table-Style Tea Ceremony Experience for young people.
Join us and enjoy a cultural event while supporting the next generation’s interest in Japanese traditions!
I had the amazing opportunity to support ASICS in their latest promotion! For this event, I provided yukata dressing and rentals for six people. The dynamic Montana Sport team looked absolutely stunning in ASICS shoes, even while wearing traditional yukata—a perfect fusion of tradition and innovation! 💡 Did you know? ASICS has shoes inspired by Kabuki makeup patterns! Founded in my hometown Hyogo, Japan, ASICS continues to expand worldwide in the sports industry. 🍽️ Chef Sano from SARA of Tokyo created dishes that beautifully reflected ASICS’ philosophy, offering guests a deeper connection to the brand through food. Even after 20 years in Switzerland, this event is among my top three most unforgettable experiences. 🙏 Thank you for the opportunity—I’m truly honored! #Asics#MontanaSport#Yukata#JapaneseTradition#SportsMeetsCulture#SARAofTokyo#SwissEvents#SwitzerlandLife
