Activities as an instructor for the table-style tea ceremony

【Activity Area】

Mainly in Switzerland and throughout Europe, as well as Osaka, Tokyo, and online.

【Theme】

“Connecting hearts and the world through a single bowl of tea.”

【Profile】

  • Born in Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture.
  • Living in Zurich, Switzerland since 2005.
  • After graduating from university, worked for 13 years as an IT consultant and project manager in major IT companies in Japan, the U.S., and India.
  • Graduated from the Tokyo Sushi Academy Professional Course in 2005. Started offering Japanese cooking classes and sushi catering in Switzerland in 2007 under the name Sushi Yoko. Has served over 10,000 people with Japanese food experiences.
  • Since 2015, has been organizing monthly Kimono Lunch gatherings in Zurich as “Kimono Yoko.” Started online Kimono Tea Gatherings in 2021 to share kimono culture with the world.
  • On the YouTube channel “Kimono Yoko in Switzerland,” shares kimono tutorials such as how to tie an obi. Over 13,000 subscribers and around 3 million total views as of June 2023.
  • Family: Swiss husband and teenage son.

【Activity History】

Started teaching as a Table Style Tea Ceremony (Tsubaki no Kai) instructor in May 2022. With over 25 years of international exchange experience, I promote the motto “Connecting hearts and the world through a single bowl of tea,” mainly throughout Europe.

For other upcoming events, please see this page.

【Recommended For】

  • People are looking for new activities after retirement
  • People moving abroad who want to connect with locals
  • People living overseas who want to share Japanese culture with their children
  • Students planning to study abroad who want to introduce Japanese culture
  • Local governments, hotels, and inns are planning inbound tourism activities
  • Traditional tea practitioners interested in working internationally

【Benefits of Online Learning】

The advantage of online learning is that it allows you to study anytime, anywhere. You can also review lessons repeatedly through videos, making it ideal for those who struggle with memory. Example here.

I have hosted events for Japanese embassies and conducted workshops for global companies.

In my classes, I also teach how to present with confidence and how to receive client inquiries. I highly recommend it to anyone considering becoming a certified instructor!

【Future Activities】

I have introduced Japanese tea culture at events such as the Paris International Sake Fair and Zurich Travel Expo. Moving forward, I will continue to cherish heart-to-heart connections through a single bowl of tea at my home salon in Zurich and at events around the world—regardless of age, gender, ability, or nationality.

Let’s spread sustainable tea culture together through the infinite possibilities of table-style tea ceremony! I look forward to hearing from you.

【Links & Contact】