Bhutanese experience centuries-old Japanese tea ceremony

2026-03-27 - 11:11

To mark the 48th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Bhutan and Japan, Bhutanese audiences experienced the centuries-old Japanese tea ceremony. A tradition that reflects harmony, respect, purity and tranquillity was performed by a team from Urasenke, one of Japan’s most influential tea ceremony schools. A typical tea ceremony begins with guests entering a simple tea room. The host then begins the preparation. First, utensils such as the tea bowl, tea whisk, and tea scoop are meticulously cleaned in front of the guests to demonstrate purity. Matcha, a finely ground green tea powder, is then scooped into the bowl, and hot water is added. The host then uses a bamboo whisk to mix the tea until it becomes smooth and frothy. When serving, the bowl is presented with both hands as a sign of respect. Guests follow a set etiquette. They bow, rotate the bowl slightly to avoid drinking from its front, take a few sips, and wipe the rim before passing it back. Each movement is slow and deliberate. Sako Shimura, who has been a tea master for nearly 30 years, says the ceremony is an art form that values aesthetics, mindfulness and hospitality. Every gesture is performed with care and grace. “Many people think the tea ceremony is about showing beautiful and historical utensils. While these are important, more important is to serve delicious tea inside the cup,” said Sako Shimura, Deputy Tea Master. The Japanese tea ceremony began in Japan after Buddhist monks introduced tea from China in the 12th century. It was later refined in the 16th century by tea master Sen no Rikyū, who shaped it into a ritual centred on harmony, respect, purity, and tranquillity. Sangay Chozom