In celebration of International Day at The Dewey Schools, the students of class 2 Osaka had an exciting lesson: discovering the Japanese tea ceremony culture. More than just a tea-making ritual, the tea ceremony is considered an art form that reflects the spirit, culture, and lifestyle of the Japanese people.
From the moment they stepped into the classroom, TDSers were captivated by the setup, which exuded the essence of Japan. The teachers, dressed in traditional kimono, meticulously arranged the tea table, transforming the classroom into a miniature chashitsu (tea room).
Leading the session was a special guest – Mrs. Kikuyo Shiba, who has spent seven years studying the art of tea. Even more remarkably, she is the mother of Mr. Anthony Wong, an English teacher at Dewey. Visiting the school for the first time, she was deeply impressed by the students’ friendliness, openness, and eagerness to learn.
“When people think of Japan, they cannot overlook the tea ceremony. It is not just a ritual but a symbol of meditation, simplicity, and refinement. Each tea ceremony takes place in an elegant setting, where the host (teishu) carefully carries out each step – from heating the water and whisking the tea to presenting the cup with respect. The guests reciprocate this gesture by appreciating the tea, lifting the cup with care, and savoring each sip slowly to absorb its essence.” – shared Mrs. Kikuyo.
Beyond learning how to prepare and enjoy tea, the students also practiced basic Japanese phrases used for offering and receiving tea. Though they were new to the language and had some pronunciation struggles, they bravely embraced the challenge and followed the tea ceremony etiquette correctly. Their tiny hands carefully whisked the tea, lifted the cups to offer their teachers and parents, creating heartwarming moments that showcased their respect for this beautiful tradition.
Khanh Linh (2 Osaka) excitedly shared: “I really love the meaning and story behind the tea ceremony. My class is named after a Japanese city, so I’m so happy to learn more about its culture and language.” Mr. Anthony Wong also emphasized: “I want my students to experience Japanese culture in the most authentic way possible, especially since class 2 Osaka will represent Japan on International Day.”
The lesson concluded with joy and enthusiasm from the students. The tea ceremony not only deepened their understanding of Japanese culture but also offered new perspectives on respect, appreciation, and learning from diverse traditions—true to the spirit of global citizenship.
_________
Event Information: International Day 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, March 22, 2025 (Saturday)
Location: The Dewey Schools’ Football & Basketball Courts
