

A unique Japanese tea and music pairing experience was organized by IKIGAI-SHU where it offered the chance to brew hand-picked Japanese teas and savor artisanal desserts in a welcoming setting, perfectly complemented by traditional melodies.
Viktoryia Toma, IKIGAI-SHU’s CEO and Founder spoke exclusively to Arab News Japan about the experience.
“The IKIGAICHA experience was conceived as a cultural fusion that celebrates the art of Japanese tea appreciation alongside the serene sounds of shakuhachi music.
“The inspiration for the event stemmed from a desire to blend the tranquil and reflective qualities of these traditions, offering attendees a unique opportunity to explore the nuanced flavors of new-harvest Japanese tea while being enveloped in live shakuhachi performances,” she said.
“This event sought to deepen the cultural appreciation and provide a unique ichi go ichie experience,” added Kyle Chomei.
The event was held in the format of a sophisticated afternoon tea fusing together the elements of music, tea ceremony and a fine dining degustation.
Kyle Chomei, a well-known shakuhachi master has selected 4 pieces dating back to the 12th century as well as modern tunes, performed on different instruments.
Music pieces have been paired with the finest Japanese teas from IKIGAICHA collection brewed applying both traditional and contemporary techniques, and artisanal amuse-bouche delights. To make the experience truly memorable, every performance has been commenced by a haiku poem reflecting the essence of the music and enhancing the tea tasting experience.
Choshi piece (“finding inner child”) was soul touching with its deep meaning and profound sound. It was paired with the award-winning Dentou Hon Gyokuro brewed by guests using traditional Shiboridashi set from Shiga prefecture.
Self-brewing allowed participants to emerge deeper in the process of a tea tasting and welcome music with the utmost appreciation. San’an piece felt very emotional and uplifting at the same time. It was enjoyed with IKIGACHA’s signature Sparkling Matcha served with artisanal matcha chocolate.
Gekko Roteki was a serenade paired with Jugetsudo Hojicha Iced tea and Hojicha Chocolate parfait. The event was culminated by Miyama Higurashi’s melody and matcha indulging pairing.
About the response and feedback from the participants of the course, Kyle Chomei said: “The response from attendees was exceptionally positive. Participants greatly enjoyed the innovative format of the event, which combined detailed tea appreciation with the live performance of shakuhachi music. They reported that the music, paired with the haikus, teas and desserts created a multi-sensory experience that was both enriching and meditative.”
Regarding IKIGAI-SHU’s upcoming events and activities, Toma said: “IKIGAI-SHU is committed to offering the best quality Japanese teas to the UAE-based tea aficionados. Encouraged by the success of the IKIGACHA experience, we are planning further events that continue to explore and celebrate the fusion of Japanese cultural elements with other artistic expressions. Future projects will include more in-depth explorations of Japanese tea varieties and continued performances featuring shakuhachi music, aiming to foster deeper cultural understanding and appreciation,” added Kyle Chomei.
IKIGAI-SHU is the official representative of the Global Japanese Tea Association in the UAE. It is devoted to demystifying Japanese tea category and educating trade professionals and tea enthusiasts on the ways of selecting, brewing and enjoying Japanese tea.