These two days reminded me once again how joyful wearing kimono truly is.
Thank you so much to everyone who took part.
On the first day, I wore an antique purple houmongi.
As it was an antique piece, I paired it with a small hat.
That simple addition instantly gave the outfit a festive, party-like feel.
With each passing year, I find myself more and more drawn to antique kimono.
Their colors and patterns are ones we rarely see today and are truly special.
Perhaps I’m becoming a bit of an antique myself 🤣
On the second day, I chose a bright pink houmongi with vermilion tones.
An unusual color for a houmongi, making it perfect for a special event.
Once again, the hat added an extra touch of elegance.
I am truly happy that we were able to share a mindful moment together
through a single bowl of tea.
Through each and every encounter,
I hope the world of kimono and matcha continues to grow,
crossing borders, generations, and cultures.
As part of a **DECORTÉ campaign**, I had the opportunity to present matcha at the historic department store **La Samaritaine** in Paris.
Over the course of four days, I prepared and served matcha on site, offering an authentic Japanese tea experience to an international audience. With each bowl of matcha, natural conversations emerged, creating moments of connection and sparking curiosity about Japan and its culture.
Many guests expressed a strong interest in Japanese culture and shared their wish to visit Japan one day. These encounters once again showed that matcha is more than a beverage — it is a cultural medium that connects people across borders.
My work focuses on presenting Japanese culture in a refined, approachable, and experiential way, tailored to international audiences and premium environments.
I welcome collaborations with companies and brands interested in **international cultural promotion**, **experiential marketing**, and **Japanese culture–driven concepts**.
I would be delighted to create meaningful cultural experiences together that resonate beyond borders.
🎍 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)
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.
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.
🎍 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)
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.)
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.
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!
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.
