Manar Elbaz

DUBAI: The Consul-General of Japan in Dubai, IMANISHI Jun, held an interactive tea ceremony on Wednesday at his official residence, bringing an authentic Japanese cultural experience to Dubai. 

The event was attended by the spouses of various Consul-Generals, such as Egypt, the Netherlands, Bahrain, and Iraq.

“Understanding different cultures enriches our humanity,” IMANISHI said in his opening remarks. “Being receptive to a diversity leads to better mutual understanding and a more peaceful society.” 

“I wanted participants from different countries to experience Chado, the Japanese tea ceremony, which embodies the essence of Japanese protocol and hospitality,” he added. 

The ceremony was led by Dubai-based tea group ‘Dubai Tea Study Group,’ who began by giving a small introduction about tea, its history, and tea ceremonies’ cultural significance in Japan. 

The group showcased a small presentation of what a traditional tea ceremony ritual looks like in Japan, briefly explaining each step in a simple way that left guests mesmerized by the sophisticated and peaceful ritual.

The showcase also included small details such as tatami mats to mimic the feeling of a tearoom and authentic Japanese desserts that were served before the tea, immersing guests further in the centuries-old tradition. 

The group concluded the ceremony by preparing matcha for guests before inviting them to the tatami mats to create the matcha themselves, carefully walking them through the steps to make matcha while showing them the correct etiquette. 

Deputy Consul General KAKUTA Hiromi, who was present at the event, told Arab News Japan that she was grateful to share the Japanese tradition in Dubai. 

“Matcha has become quite popular in Dubai, but today I was thrilled to offer everyone the chance to taste authentic matcha and share the rich history and philosophy behind the Japanese tea ceremony,” she said. 

“It was particularly gratifying to introduce the concept of a peace-bringing spirit, which is central to the practice of tea ceremony,” she added. 

The ceremony received positive feedback from attendees as it made them more curious about Japanese culture and heritage. 

“The Japanese tea ceremony was a truly unique and enriching experience, one that we will always treasure,” Nabila Fahim, spouse of the Consul General of Egypt in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, told Arab News Japan on behalf of the attendees.

“The ceremony offered us a rare opportunity to experience the depth and elegance of Japanese culture through one of its most symbolic and time-honored traditions. From the precise, graceful rituals to the serene and thoughtful setting, every detail reflected the core values of harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility,” she added. 

Fumie Miura, the leader of the ‘Dubai Tea Study Group,’ told Arab News Japan that she is really grateful for the positive feedback and is grateful that the Consul-General approached them. 

“I’ve been doing tea ceremonies for almost 25 to 30 years. When I first came here, everyone was asking me about Japanese traditions. I hope we met the Consul-General’s expectations,” she said.