Peace Japanese Tea Gathering
Peacefulness from a Bowl of Tea
Sharing Moments of Peace and Tranquility Through the Japanese Tea Ceremony
What Peace Means to Me
Peace does not simply mean the absence of war.
In our busy everyday lives, we rarely have the opportunity to pause and reconnect with ourselves.
Through a single bowl of tea, I hope to offer a moment away from the rush of daily life.
A moment to return to ourselves, rediscover our inner center, and find peace within our hearts.
I believe that peace begins within each of us.
This is the spirit behind Peace Japanese Tea Gathering.
My Philosophy
Wa, Kei, Sei, Jaku — Peace&Harmony, Respect, Purity, and Tranquilityc
The Japanese tea ceremony is much more than preparing and drinking matcha.
At its heart are four principles:
- Wa (Peace&Harmony): Creating harmony among people and with our surroundings.
- Kei (Respect): Showing sincere respect for others and for everything around us.
- Sei (Purity): Cultivating clarity and purity of mind.
- Jaku (Tranquility): Finding inner peace through the practice of tea.
These principles guide both the host and the guests.
During a tea gathering, I invite participants to appreciate the present moment in silence.
Listen to the gentle sound of the kettle, the water, and the subtle movements of the tea preparation.
Observe the tea utensils, the seasonal sweets, and the bowl of matcha.
Allow yourself to experience these simple things without distraction.
A tea gathering is created together by the host and the guests.
The host prepares the tea with sincerity, while the guests contribute through their attention, respect, and quiet presence.
Silence is not simply the absence of conversation.
It is an opportunity to become more aware of the present moment.
About Peace Japanese Tea Gathering
Peace Japanese Tea Gathering is my personal volunteer initiative to share the spirit of the Japanese tea ceremony with people around the world.
As a tea practitioner based in Kyoto, I hope to create opportunities for people of different cultures and backgrounds to gather around a single bowl of tea.
My purpose is not simply to introduce Japanese traditions.
It is to share a peaceful moment in which people can reconnect with themselves and appreciate the beauty of the present.
No previous experience with the Japanese tea ceremony is required.
The Tea Gathering Experience
Each gathering begins with a traditional Japanese tea preparation using a chabako, a portable tea ceremony set.
I explain the meaning of the movements, utensils, and etiquette in English, helping participants understand both the cultural traditions and the spirit of Japanese tea.
Guests are invited to enjoy Japanese sweets and matcha while experiencing the atmosphere of the gathering.
When time permits, participants may also prepare their own bowl of matcha.
Questions are welcome, and I am happy to explain the reasons behind the customs and movements.
At the same time, moments of silence remain an essential part of the experience.
Through this balance of learning, participation, and quiet appreciation, I hope each guest can discover something meaningful.
Previous Gatherings
Thailand — September 2026
In Ayutthaya, Thailand, I held a small tea gathering in a peaceful setting surrounded by nature.
For many participants, this was their first experience of the Japanese tea ceremony.
Sharing matcha together created an opportunity to slow down and appreciate a moment of tranquility.
Bali, Indonesia — September 2026
In Bali, I introduced Japanese tea culture through another intimate gathering.
The Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana, which emphasizes harmony among the divine, humanity, and nature, shares meaningful connections with the Japanese tea ceremony’s principles of harmony and respect.
Although our cultures and traditions are different, we can discover shared values through a bowl of tea.
An Invitation to Gather
Would you like to share a Japanese tea gathering with your family, friends, or community?
I welcome opportunities to bring Peace Japanese Tea Gathering to communities around the world.
Possible hosts include:
- Families and groups of friends
- Universities and educational institutions
- Cultural exchange groups
- Local communities and organizations
- Cafés and other suitable venues
If five or more participants in the same area are interested, I would be happy to consider arranging a gathering during my travels.
A traditional Japanese tea room is not required. The format can be adapted to the available space while respecting the essential spirit of the tea ceremony.
Participation and Hosting
Participation is free of charge.
I offer my services as a tea practitioner and instructor on a voluntary basis, without charging a performance or teaching fee.
The venue, local arrangements, materials, and any other necessary expenses will be discussed with the host in advance.
Gatherings are arranged according to travel schedules, venue suitability, and mutual availability.
About the Tea Practitioner
Rie Kuranaka
Licensed Urasenke Tea Master | Kyoto, Japan
I am the founder of Tea Ceremony KOTO in Kyoto, Japan, where I have been teaching the Japanese tea ceremony to international visitors for more than 11 years.
Through years of teaching guests from different cultural backgrounds, I have learned the importance of making Japanese traditions understandable while preserving their essential meaning.
My goal is not simply to demonstrate the tea ceremony, but to help each participant understand and appreciate the values expressed through its movements, etiquette, and atmosphere.
Through Peace Japanese Tea Gathering, I hope to carry this experience beyond Kyoto and share peaceful moments with people around the world.
Host a Tea Gathering
If you are interested in organizing a gathering in your community, please get in touch.
When contacting me, please include:
- Country and city
- Approximate number of participants
- Possible venue
- Preferred date or period (Winnter except New Year’s holiday weeks/June~first July/End of August to September are easier for me to arrage.)
I would be delighted to explore opportunities to share a bowl of Japanese tea with your community.
Peacefulness from a Bowl of Tea
One bowl of tea. One peaceful moment. One meaningful connection.
Rie Kuranaka
Founder, Tea Ceremony KOTO
Kyoto, Japan
https://teaceremony-kyoto.com