🌿 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).
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)
💡 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)
🎍 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.
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.
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!
🌸 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
Blessed with perfect kimono weather, the second day of the Tokyo Afternoon Tea Gathering was successfully concluded! Following the first day, we were delighted to have Miyoko Ōmomo, a well-known talent, join us again for another wonderful time. ✨ We sincerely appreciate her taking the time to be with us despite her busy schedule.
Just like the first day, many wonderful people gathered, making the atmosphere even more vibrant and warm. We were so comfortable that, before we knew it, we had spent nearly five hours in the lounge! ☕✨
✨ A Special Moment on This Day ✨
On this special day, we had the honor of awarding a certification to Yuki Sugawara, who had been learning Table Style Tea Ceremony online! 🎉 After dedicating so much time to practice and receiving video guidance, she finally reached this milestone through her continuous efforts.
Sharing this emotional moment with everyone truly warmed my heart. ✨ Table Style Tea Ceremony is gaining popularity as a casual way to enjoy tea, even without tatami or a traditional Japanese room. It is also highly appreciated by people worldwide, and I am more determined than ever to continue sharing this beautiful culture. 🌏💚
🌿 Now Accepting New Students for Table Tea Ceremony! 🌿
Beginners are more than welcome! Even if you have no prior experience, you will learn how to prepare tea step by step, just like Yuki did. 🍵✨ If you’re interested, feel free to send me a DM!
🙏 Heartfelt Gratitude to All 🙏
A sincere thank you to everyone who joined us. I truly appreciate each and every one of you. ✨ May these wonderful connections continue to flourish.
I will also be posting about my work as a sushi chef in Switzerland and kimono-related photos at @sushi_yoko_com. Be sure to check out my stories and posts! Your follows & likes mean a lot and keep me motivated! 🙏 @sushi_yoko_kimono
Blessed with perfect kimono weather, the second day of the Tokyo Afternoon Tea Gathering was successfully concluded! Following the first day, we were delighted to have Miyoko Ōmomo, a well-known talent, join us again for another wonderful time. ✨ We sincerely appreciate her taking the time to be with us despite her busy schedule.
Just like the first day, many wonderful people gathered, making the atmosphere even more vibrant and warm. We were so comfortable that, before we knew it, we had spent nearly five hours in the lounge! ☕✨
✨ A Special Moment on This Day ✨
On this special day, we had the honor of awarding a certification to Yuki Sugawara, who had been learning Table Style Tea Ceremony online! 🎉 After dedicating so much time to practice and receiving video guidance, she finally reached this milestone through her continuous efforts.
Sharing this emotional moment with everyone truly warmed my heart. ✨ Table Style Tea Ceremony is gaining popularity as a casual way to enjoy tea, even without tatami or a traditional Japanese room. It is also highly appreciated by people worldwide, and I am more determined than ever to continue sharing this beautiful culture. 🌏💚
🌿 Now Accepting New Students for Table Tea Ceremony! 🌿
Beginners are more than welcome! Even if you have no prior experience, you will learn how to prepare tea step by step, just like Yuki did. 🍵✨ If you’re interested, feel free to send me a DM!
🙏 Heartfelt Gratitude to All 🙏
A sincere thank you to everyone who joined us. I truly appreciate each and every one of you. ✨ May these wonderful connections continue to flourish.
I will also be posting about my work as a sushi chef in Switzerland and kimono-related photos at @sushi_yoko_com. Be sure to check out my stories and posts! Your follows & likes mean a lot and keep me motivated! 🙏 @sushi_yoko_kimono
The first day of our Afternoon Tea Gathering at the lounge of the Tokyo Royal Park Hotel has successfully concluded, thanks to everyone’s support.
First and foremost, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to our special guest, Miyoko Ōmomo, an executive coach. ✨
I have always resonated with her words: “Live for the present, not just for the future.”
True to her philosophy, she listened attentively to everyone’s stories and brightened up the atmosphere, for which I am truly grateful.
Our gathering began under the refreshing sunlight and progressed into the evening, bathed in the glow of a breathtaking sunset.
After enjoying a relaxed conversation at the hotel’s executive floor lounge, we moved to a quiet private room, where we prepared tea with the night view of Tokyo Tower in the background.
That small act of making tea transformed our time from a simple “chat session” into a deeper, heartfelt exchange.
In our daily lives, we are constantly occupied with work and household tasks. Amidst our busy thoughts, the opportunity to quietly prepare tea together in the heart of Tokyo with such wonderful people became, for me, a moment of mindfulness—a luxurious time to return to the present and regain inner peace.
I wonder if each participant also found it to be a valuable time? I sincerely appreciate every single person who shared this wonderful moment with us.
May our connections continue for many years to come.
