Hello, I'm Soku Endo. I am honored to have been appointed as the Japanese tea ambassador for mika's direction. As an Associate Master of the Obaku Baisa School of Senchado (The Way of Sencha) and a Japanese Tea Instructor (similar to a sommelier for Japanese tea), I have been actively sharing the allure of Japanese tea, primarily around Tokyo.
Senchado is a tea ceremony that involves making Japanese tea from tea leaves, unlike using Matcha powder. It focuses on making delicious Japanese tea with beautiful, graceful movements and places utmost importance on enjoying the experience of Japanese tea. Additionally, Mika-san, the owner of this shop, is a Japanese tea specialist of the Obaku Baisa School.
The Relaxing Experience of “Being Present” with Japanese Tea
The time spent making and drinking Japanese tea offers a special moment to escape the daily bustle and focus on the “here and now.” When I prepare tea, I find solace by setting aside other concerns and focusing solely on the tea before me. Even a brief moment of this practice can significantly alleviate the stress of everyday life.
This feeling is akin to mindfulness meditation, where the focus is entirely on the present moment. Through Japanese tea, we can concentrate on the “now,” which helps to reset and calm our minds.
How Japanese Tea Brings People Together
Another charm of Japanese tea is its ability to bring people together. At tea gatherings and events, people of various ages and backgrounds naturally engage in conversations over tea. These interactions have been invaluable, providing me with many cherished experiences.
I hope that everyone visiting this store will find joy in new encounters and interactions facilitated by Japanese tea.
Spreading the Charm of Japanese Tea
Moving forward, I aim to introduce the charm of Japanese tea to more people here in America through this shop. Japanese tea has the power to soothe the mind and enrich communication. I hope to support everyone in finding peaceful moments and refreshing themselves through tea.
I will continue to share insights on enjoying Japanese tea, its history, and the new experiences it brings through this blog. Please look forward to further updates.