Arab News Japan

ABU DHABI: On Oct 26, Akio ISOMATA, Ambassador of Japan to the UAE, conferred the Foreign Minister’s commendation to “Urasenke Abu Dhabi Study Group” in recognition of its distinguished service in promoting Japanese culture through “Cha-Do”, contributing to promoting friendly relations between the two nations.

Established in 2010, the group has been regularly conducting lessons for Emiratis to learn “Cha-Do” (The Way of Tea) at Ryoku-Sui-An, the Japanese tea house, which was presented to Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, by Dr. Genshitsu Sen, the 15^th-generation Grand Master of Urasenke, a prominent school of Japanese tradition of tea, in 2009.

The group has also been actively participating in various cultural events across the UAE, introducing the charm of this Japanese tradition.

The Urasenke Tradition of Tea is one of the most prominent schools of the Way of Tea in Japan, with a history dating back to the 16th century. Its philosophy is based on the principles of harmony (wa), respect (kei), purity (sei), and tranquility (jaku) which are reflected in every aspect, from the preparation of a bowl of tea to the serving of it to the guests.