The Japanese tea ceremony (sado) is regarded as an important part of traditional Japanese culture. It is a practice that involves the ceremonial preparation and presentation of powdered green tea, called matcha.
To give Egyptians a closer look at the tradition, Ambassador Oka Hiroshi on Tuesday had guests at his residence to celebrate the first Japanese tea ceremony of this year, which is Hatsugama in Japanese, to acquaint the guests with this ritual.
“Today, we are honoured to have with us a large number of guests who have close association with Japan or actively promote Japan’s appeal in Egypt, through teaching Japanese language, practicing Japanese martial arts (budo), introducing Japanese culture and arts, such as flower arrangements (ikebana), paper folding (origami) and film screenings as well as through organising community centres,” Ambassador Hiroshi said.
“The styles and methods of serving Japanese tea may seem at first to be a mere ritual, but it reflects an aspect of Japanese culture, showing respect and empathy for others,” he told attendees, who including Minister of Culture Nevine el-Kilany.
He added that he had recently discussed with Minister el-Kilany ways to promote cultural exchanges especially after restrictions imposed on activities due to the Covid 19 are almost behind.
“In fact, we started in January this year to show Japanese films at the embassy for the first time in two years and had visits from Egyptian high school students to introduce Japanese culture,” he said.
“We also recently organised a Japanese Language Evening to strengthen exchanges between Egyptian students studying Japanese at seven universities in Egypt and Japanese students studying Arabic here,” he added.
The tea ceremony was demonstrated by Tarek el-Sayed, a prominent figure in sado in Egypt and his team of Urasenke Tankokai, an active school of Japanese tea ceremony.
The name tankokai means the communication and interaction of calm minds and hearts, which are neither agitated nor swept away by emotions in any way, like quiet water flow.
Tankokai has 112 branches in 37 countries and regions around the world and it has a rich history of achievements.
They served Japanese tea to the US President George Bush Senior, the German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Japan and to the Crown Prince of the Mohamed bin Zayed, and the Secretary-General of the United Nations abroad at these times.
El-Sayed said that the tea ceremony first appeared in the 16th Century and was perfected by the tea master Sen Rikyu (1522-1591).
He added that the host, her helper and the guests left their shoes outside the tea room before entering it in their socks, which should be white. No one should talk of politics or any disputes and it is preferred that the guests not interrupt the host’s preparations.
“The tea bowls are made of pottery. The bowls are decorated with flowers or other beautiful elements in the natural Japanese environment.
“There is also a utensil resembling a kettle, which is placed on the hot coals. And there is the tea beater which is made of bamboo; it is used to mix the powdered green tea with the water. Another tool made of bamboo is used in pouring the tea. Sweets may be offered with the tea.”
Regarding the approaching opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, Ambassador Hiroshi said that it is regarded as a new symbol of cooperation between Egypt and Japan.
“We are looking forward to increased momentum of exchanges and introduce charm and attractiveness of Japanese culture to many more Egyptian people and vice versa.”
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