Tag: matcha

Mochi & Matcha Workshop at the Japan Food Fest in Zurich [Report]

Mochi & Matcha Workshop in Zurich

The Tea Ceremony Quiz
Matcha Demonstration
Enjoy your own matcha
Traditional Mochi Making (No Microwave!)

A workshop for all senses – warm, interactive, and full of flavor.

At the Japan Food Festival in Zurich, we shared unforgettable moments together.
Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect:

1. Handmade Mochi & Tea Ceremony Quiz
We begin by making fresh strawberry mochi from scratch.
After that, you’ll take part in our popular Tea Ceremony Quiz: 10 questions about matcha – and no one has scored 10/10 in the past 4 years 😏
In a fun and engaging way, you’ll learn how matcha is grown and how to truly enjoy its flavor.

2. 3 Minutes of Calm – in the Middle of the Buzz
After the high energy of the festival, we intentionally create a moment to pause.

Before drinking the matcha, we practice 3 minutes of meditation together.
A short reset for body and mind – and suddenly, the matcha tastes deeper, richer, and more mindful.

3. Connection Beyond Language
People from different countries come together to share a matcha experience.
Without needing many words, a special connection naturally emerges.

Matcha culture is quietly spreading across Europe – and you can be part of it.

📣 Next Event
Join us on May 14, 15, and 16 at
Fantasy Basel!
One of Europe’s largest pop culture events, welcoming around 100,000 visitors.
👉 More details: https://fantasybasel.ch

✨ Would you like to experience it yourself?

👉 Reserve your spot for the next workshop:
Book now

We look forward to welcoming you in person 🍵

📣 We are looking for helpers
We are looking for people to help us during the workshop at Fantasy Basel (May 14–16).

The helping time is approximately 2.5 hours (short shift).

As a thank you, you will receive a CHF 50 entrance ticket.

If you are interested, feel free to contact us by email:
info@sushi-yoko.ch

You can also apply for our instructor certification course starting with a trial lesson.
The trial lesson is available online from CHF 20 for 1 hour.

📩 You can also contact us via Instagram DM (this is even faster):
https://www.instagram.com/sushi_yoko_com

Matcha Tea Ceremony and Afternoon Tea at The Royal Park Hotel Tokyo in Jan. 2026

January 16–17, 2026

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.

#Meetup #Kimono #Antique #Matcha #JapaneseCulture

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 | 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

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

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

Table-Style Tea Ceremony Experience in Osaka

🍵 Table-Style Tea Ceremony Experience 🌙✨

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.

🧡 Special thanks to

@kimono__pro @mai.mai.y.r.h @sae_terauchi
@marika.yoshimura @rika.hanaoka @kimono_sweets_lover

Gratitude also to Akemi-san and my dear friend Akiko.

I hope to share such a tea moment with you again — maybe in Europe.

— Yoko Kinoshita (May 6, 2025, Osaka)

#TableTeaCeremony #JapaneseTeaCulture #MatchaTime #Wagashi #Nerikiri #ZenMoment #Wajimanuri #MindfulTea #KimonoStyle #YokoKinoshita

Tea Ceremony in May 2025 at Osaka

Tea ceremony at a table

 

2023.05 in Osaka

 

 

 

 

🌸 Osaka Kimono Tea Party 🌸 “Let’s Make Kimono Friends Around the World!” ✨

👘 Do you love kimono or have an interest in wearing one? Come and spend a wonderful time together! 💖

📅 Monday, May 6th (Public Holiday)
📍 ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Osaka, Executive Floor Lounge, Kitashinchi

💖 Part 1: Sweets & Photo Time 📸🍰
⏰ 14:30 – 17:00
💰 5,500 yen (Early Bird 5,000 yen)
📸 Commemorative photo session at Dojimagawa and hotel lobby (from 14:30)
🍰 All-you-can-eat sweets buffet with 8 kinds of cakes, croissants, cupcakes & unlimited soft drinks!
🎀 Special Guest: Ayaaya-sensei (@ayaayaskimono), author of “Easy Obi Arrangements 1 & 2” – We’re so excited to meet her and discover where her incredible sense of style comes from! 🤩

🍵 Part 2: Table-Style Tea Ceremony Experience 🌙✨
🏯 Held in a private room with night views of Osaka
⏰ 17:15 – 19:00
💰 6,500 yen (Early Bird 6,000 yen)
👥 Limited to 7 participants
🍵 Enjoy a table-style tea ceremony experience while admiring the night view (from 17:15)
📸 Commemorative photos at the Executive Lounge (from 18:45)
🎀 Would you like to serve matcha tea during overseas trips, business trips, or to international guests?
With table-style tea ceremony, you need fewer tools and it’s perfect for cultural exchange!

Sushi Yoko (@sushi_yoko_com), with 18 years of experience running sushi classes and catering in Switzerland, will also share fun party conversation tips — what topics are popular and what to avoid!

🎟️ Special Discount:
✨ Join both Part 1 & Part 2 and get 1,000 yen OFF!
✨ Save even more with the Early Bird Discount: 2,000 yen OFF (10,000 yen total with advance payment).

👘 Kimono lovers welcome! 💖 Let’s have a fun and elegant time together!
💌 For inquiries and registration, please DM @sushi_yoko_kimono

#kimonolover #kimono #OsakaEvent #teaceremony #tablestyletea #JapaneseCulture #SweetsLover

Thank you very much for supporting our first World Matcha Forum

Thank you very much for supporting our first World Matcha Forum on 19 October 2024. We couldn’t have done it without your participation!
We had 44 donors and 29 of you participated in the forum on the day.
As mentioned during the forum, Mr. Taichi Kirimoto, a Wajima lacquerware artisan and the CEO of Wajima Kirimoto shop, edited and proofed the Wajima lacquerware quiz while suffering from the second natural disaster and a subsequent personal illness. We would appreciate if you can check out his Instagram account:
https://www.instagram.com/taiichi_kirimoto/
On the way, we offered a moment of silence for the 360 people who lost their lives in the earthquake and 13 people who lost their lives in the floods, and then everyone made tea together.
Louise from Zurich placed first in the Wajima lacquerware quiz, congratulations! She will be collecting her prize directly from Yoko.
We will administer the charity funds in the coming days and provide an update.
Thank you again and hope to see you soon again.
Best regards,
Kimono Blossom and Sushi Yoko
World Matcha Forum
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1598701154035687