Chongqing - From July 11 to 12, the Consulate-General of Japan in Chongqing, in collaboration with the Chongqing Women Talents Research Association, hosted a cultural event titled "One Time, One Meeting, One Cup of Tea Brings Joy" in Southwest China's Chongqing. This event aimed to experience Japan and China's tea ceremony and culture.

From July 11 to 12, the Consulate-General of Japan in Chongqing, in collaboration with the Chongqing Women Talents Research Association, hosted an exceptional event titled "One Time, One Meeting, One Cup of Tea Brings Joy" at Chongqing Jin'guo Garden in Southwest China's Chongqing. (Photo/Consulate-General of Japan in Chongqing)

Takada Mari, the Consul-General of Japan in Chongqing, said, "The tea cultures of Japan and China are both rich and profound, each with its unique system and charm. The southwestern region is one of the birthplaces of Chinese tea culture, and Chongqing's tea culture has a long-standing history. The local people's passion for both their own and Japanese tea cultures is comparable to that of coastal areas. Chongqing's abundant tea resources await further development and utilization. Hosting this comparison and experience event in Chongqing, a gathering place for tea enthusiasts, to make friends through tea, is highly significant."

The event included a tea ceremony experience, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the charm of the Japanese tea ceremony's "one time, one meeting" philosophy. (Photo/Consulate-General of Japan in Chongqing)

The Japanese tea ceremony has a long history. Over a thousand years ago, during the Nara period, tea was introduced to Japan from China (Tang Dynasty) by envoys to Tang China. In the 16th century, tea master Sen no Rikyū significantly developed the Japanese tea ceremony, which has since become a distinctive cultural heritage. The tea ceremony reflects Japanese aesthetic principles and is regarded as an embodiment of spiritual fulfillment. The latter part of the event included a tea ceremony experience, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the charm of the Japanese tea ceremony's "one time, one meeting" philosophy.

The Chongqing Municipal Commission of Culture and Tourism Development also specially recommended two local tea enterprises to showcase and promote local tea products and tea culture at the event. More than 100 guests attended the event, including consulate personnel, government representatives, tea culture experts, and enthusiasts from Japan and China. 

(Huang Zhuoyue, as an intern, also contributed to the report)