Workshop

Matcha tea ceremony

Chado referred to as the Japanese Tea Ceremony in English, is a spiritual and aesthetic discipline for refinement of the self. The word "Chado" means the way of tea. The host aims to serve the guest an unforgettably satisfying bowl of tea.


You will experience authentic Tea Ceremony here in Toronto.

Matcha and tea sweets will be served.

Green tea ceremony

Sencha-do is a type of tea ceremony. Instead of using powdered matcha green tea, Sencha-do uses a teapot rather than a bowl to prepare tea with tea leaves such as sencha, gyokuro, and hojicha. Takatori Shindo, the Grandmaster of Sencha-do from Shizuoka, Japan, will be hosting the sessions. Don't miss out on this special opportunity!!

This workshop is hosted by the Japan Tea Exporters' Association, funded by Japan Tea Central Public Interest Incorporated Association. Their mission is to promote Japanese Tea to the world. Their projects are 100% supported by the Japanese government.

Introduction to Japanese Tea

During this workshop, you will enjoy tasting variety of Japanese Tea. Tea will be served by “Japan Tea Central Public Interest Incorporated Association"

Members fly all the way from Japan to serve tea for Canadian Tea Lovers!!

What is Japanese tea? How is it made? Where does it come from? What does it taste like? The experts in this workshop will address all of your inquiries, from the fundamental to the complex. This event is not only for the people who new to Japanese Tea but also for serious Tea people who want to learn deep into it.

This workshop is hosted by the Japan Tea Exporters' Association, funded by Japan Tea Central Public Interest Incorporated Association. Their mission is to promote Japanese Tea to the world. Their projects are 100% supported by the Japanese government.

Ceramic repair and decoration with gold

Kintsugi is a traditional Japanese art and repair technique that restores broken ceramics to practical, food-safe use. The Kintsugi process, which takes at least two months, uses no chemical materials. Instead, it relies on urushi, a natural sap used in Japan for over 10,000 years, to bond the fragments and adorn the surface with pure gold. This technique of applying gold is known as "maki-e." In this workshop, you will have the opportunity to create decorative patterns with pure gold on your personal items.

Participants will apply maki-e to their own tea tools, wooden or bamboo items, matcha bowls, wine glasses, or other personal items they choose to bring. If you do not have any items to bring, you can purchase items like a chashaku (teaspoon) or wooden spoon at the venue.

For detailed information about the workshop, including materials suitable for maki-e, design sizes, and more, please visit Kintsugica's website: https://introjapan.ca/nihonchamakie/

For any questions regarding the items or designs for maki-e, please feel free to contact us at introjapanca@gmail.com with the subject line "INQUIRY: MAKI-E."

*Please note that this workshop involves the use of urushi (lacquer). Uncured urushi contains urushiol, a substance that can cause allergic reactions and is the same irritant found in poison ivy, so we use disposable gloves during the workshop. Please make sure to read the precautions on the website before registering.

Pottery

Helen Kong from Secret Teatime will teach you how to make mamezara, small plates/dishes usually used for side dishes in a Japanese meal or they are good for holding small trinkets. Once you are done and choose to keep them, you can choose the colour of glaze and pre-pay the shipping. The pieces will be taken back to the studio for glaze and firing. The work will be shipped to the workshop participants in 3-8 weeks.

Mossball arrangement

Don't forget to join the Kokedama arrangement workshop.
A fun and interactive session that explores the creative side of festivals.
You will wrap moss around an orchid without using a pot and enjoy its shape and texture at the same time!
Kokedama is the perfect item for creating a Zen or tea ceremony space in your home. It is simple yet calming and makes your space wonderful.

Hair Accessories

You will learn how to make Sakura pins using 200-year-old Japanese craft Tsumami Zaiku.
All materials will be provided and you will learn basic techniques of Tsumami Zaiku to go home with your own Sakura pin.

Room B will be open to public after her workshop(from 5:30 to 6:00) Orika’s beautiful products are available for purchase during 5:30 to 6:00

Flower arrangement

“Chabana” refers to the flowers displayed in the alcove of a tea room. Sen no Rikyū (1522–1591) was a Japanese tea master and one of the most influential figures in the history of the Japanese tea ceremony, known as "chanoyu". He is celebrated for formalizing and refining the principles of the tea ceremony, with a strong emphasis on simplicity, naturalism, and the spiritual essence of the practice. One of Rikyū's famous teachings, "Flowers should be as they are in the field", reflects his belief in maintaining the natural beauty and simplicity of things, rather than altering them to fit human aesthetics. This philosophy significantly influenced the art of "Chabana", which contrasts with the more structured and formalized art of "Ikebana", emphasizing technical skills.
In this workshop, you will learn the philosophy of "Chabana" and the art of flower placement. You'll create your own "Chabana" and take it home with you.

Discover the Art of Gyokuro

Immerse yourself in the world of Gyokuro, one of Japan’s finest green teas. Cultivated with care under shade for 20 days or more, Gyokuro offers a rich umami flavor and natural sweetness that sets it apart from other teas. During this workshop, you’ll learn the traditional techniques for brewing Gyokuro using a Shiboridashi (a special Japanese vessel) to unlock its full flavor. To complete the experience, you’ll enjoy a unique culinary tradition—eating the tea leaves with freshly cooked rice. Join us for an authentic and enriching Gyokuro tea experience!!

Exploring Japanese white tea

Let Jeff from Unytea present to you Japanese white tea. This tea is an unusual find and has an interesting story that lead it to being made. Together we will sip and experience benifuki white. Each participant will receive a sample of benifuki white for you to experience brewing for yourself!