In conjunction with Japan House London’s exhibition Windowology: New Architectural Views from Japan we are delighted to invite back tea master Kimura Sōkei from the London branch of Urasenke, one of the major tea schools in Japan, for a second special, online lecture highlighting the lesser-known aspects of chadō (or chanoyu), the Japanese Way of Tea.

After looking at the relationship between windows and tea in the space of chashitsu, the Japanese teahouse, in this event guests are introduced to the use of water and its significance in the practice, from its boiling sound from kama, a kettle, to create a harmonious atmosphere to cold water from mizusashi, a water jar, to symbolise the end of the session.

Delving deeper inside the world of chadō, Kimura Sōkei also explains what other sounds are often heard during the practice of tea and how they relate to the aesthetic sense which connects all the elements at play in making the experience as valuable for the guests as it is for the host.

A recording of the first lecture by Kimura Sōkei held on 18 January 2022 is available to watch on Japan House London’s Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn channels and the exhibition Windowology: New Architectural Views from Japan is on display on the Lower Ground Floor of Japan House London until 24 April 2022.

About the speaker

Born in 1955, Kimura Sōkei graduated from Bunka Gakuin and in 1991 joined Urasenke Foundation. He worked as instructor for the Urasenke New York Centre between 1994 and 1997, after which he became representative of the London Branch of Urasenke. He works mainly in the UK and Europe introducing chadō, the way of tea, through presentations and lectures.