#Japan #Matcha #Women’s University #Tea Ceremony #Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo

A Celebration of Tea: The 1000-Person Tea Ceremony

On April 19, 2025, Japan Women’s University (JWU) hosted a significant event marking the opening of its new Food Science Department. This event, known as the "1000-Person Tea Ceremony," drew inspiration from the historical tea gathering organized by Toyotomi Hideyoshi at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. The event aimed to make the rich cultural experience of tea ceremony accessible to a larger audience.

A Showcase of Student Innovation

Approximately 300 attendees participated in this engaging event and enjoyed a unique blend of matcha tea, crafted by students from the Food Science Department. They spent countless hours preparing this original blend, named "Shin Kinpuu," which symbolizes joy and diversity. The name incorporates the essence of both celebratory brocade and the university's identity with the maple leaf, signifying a hope to bring unique perspectives to society through the newly established department.

In addition to the tea, attendees were offered original sweets named "Shukuka," created by JWU students and produced by Toraya Co., Ltd. These sweets, designed to resemble vibrant flowers, were a nod to the auspicious start of the new academic department. Their white, blue, and pink colors represent the pure enthusiasm and interdisciplinary learning opportunities that the Food Science Department promises.

Intriguing Tea Room Designs

The event also featured an exhibition of four exceptional tea room designs, selected from the Tea Room Idea Competition hosted by the Architecture and Design Department. Students showcased their creative visions, with two designs actually serving tea during the ceremony. Held at the Izumi Promenade, these designs effectively bridged the university's focus on practical, cross-disciplinary education.

Featured Designs:

• - Invert: A modern, adjustable tea room constructed with aluminum pipes, symbolizing the coexistence of tension and relaxation.
• - Antou: A design inspired by the university's logo, suitable for evening tea gatherings, evoking the idea of light creating intimate spaces.
• - Ripple: This design elegantly used bottles to create rippled patterns reminiscent of a dry landscape garden, further signifying the spreading of knowledge and connections among individuals.
• - Tea Rest Area: Features materials that evoke actions during breaks, combined with elements representing the tea room's spatial attributes.

Collaboration with Tea Masters

The tea ceremony was conducted in collaboration with renowned tea master Sochin Kimura and his disciples from the Hoshinkai group. Their involvement ensured that the authenticity and richness of the tea ceremony were preserved, allowing participants to experience traditional tea arts firsthand.

Commitment to Comprehensive Education

President Satoko Shinohara expressed her delight at the event, seeing the 1000-Person Tea Ceremony as a fitting tribute to the launch of the Food Science Department. She emphasized the importance of this interdisciplinary approach in developing students who learn independently and can create new value in society.

The university, which celebrated its 120th anniversary in 2021 as the first organized higher education institution for women in Japan, continually strives to provide a robust academic framework. With the opening of the Food Science and Architecture Design Departments, JWU continues to foster a holistic educational environment conducive to both intellectual and cultural growth.

For more information on these initiatives and updates about JWU, please visit Japan Women’s University.