February 2023

We were honoured to take part in a meaningful event hosted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government — a warm gesture of cultural diplomacy celebrating Japan’s official reopening to international travel. Held in London, the event formed part of a broader tourism campaign to encourage visitors from Europe and beyond.

A particularly notable guest joined the occasion: Tokyo’s first female governor, Yuriko Koike. A trailblaser in Japanese politics and a potential candidate to become the nation’s first female Prime Minister, Governor Koike participated in the tea ceremony and was served a cup of matcha during the session. She wore a striking black jacket, up-cycled from her mother’s vintage kimono — a thoughtful symbol of tradition, sustainability, and personal heritage.

This event was not only an opportunity to promote travel to Japan, but also to share the deeper cultural values that define Japanese hospitality — beauty, mindfulness, kindness, and the spirit of omotenashi.

As spring approaches, the message of the tea ceremony resonates clearly: whether you work in emergency services, finance, government, or any demanding field, a simple cup of tea can offer peace, presence, and a moment of reflection — even amidst the busiest of lives.