Chanoyu: Japanese Tea Ceremony at the Table
Experience the meditative art of Japanese tea ceremony — a practice of harmony, respect, and tranquility
Japanese tea ceremony, known in Japan as chanoyu (“hot water for tea”) or chadō (“the way of tea”) is considered a representative traditional art of Japan. This ritual, with a history spanning over 800 years, comprises a mixture of socializing, meditation, and appreciation of a good drink, and remains popular to this day.
During a tea ceremony, powdered green tea, or matcha, is prepared using traditional tea utensils. The series of movements and associated ritual, based in Zen Buddhism, help to calm the mind and improve concentration. During the ceremony, silence is maintained, allowing subtle sounds and nuances of light that are normally overlooked to take center stage. A bowl of matcha prepared and sipped in this setting will have a deeper, richer taste than usual, permeating the entire body.
PRICE
$40 / person
DURATION
1.5 hours
LOCATION
91 E 3rd street, New York, NY 10003
About the Instructor
Yoshitsugu Nagano
Since arriving in the US, Mr. Nagano has conducted more than 150 tea ceremonies and given over 400 lectures. Despite starting his activities amidst the pandemic, he persevered as the sole tea practitioner in New York City. As a result, individuals fatigued by the seemingly endless pandemic began to gather, seeking solace and enlightenment through the Way of Tea, gradually expanding the community.
In 2022, Mr. Nagano took on the role of organizer and representative for Chanoyu Week NYC. This week-long event aims to introduce the Way of Tea to the people of New York, drawing upon his experiences during the pandemic. Recognizing that society faced an unprecedented crisis and should have united to overcome it, he observed a stark contrast where diverse communities in New York clashed and became divided. Mr. Nagano firmly believed that the spirit of “coexistence,” central to the tea ceremony, which unites individuals as one through the act of sharing a cup of tea, could help reunite New York. Consequently, Chanoyu Week NYC will be held annually in November, fostering harmony and unity.
In addition to his accomplishments, Mr. Nagano has collaborated with various corporations and organizations in the past, including:
- Weekly and special tea ceremonies held at Globus Washitsu as Globus Chashitsu (teahouse) in house tea master
- Lectures and tea ceremonies at Bulgari NY Office
- Tea ceremonies held at Aman Hotel NY
- Lectures at art museums and galleries such as Ippodo Gallery, Onishi Gallery, Fu Qiumeng Fine Art, and Poster House Museum.
