From Peter’s Recommendation: Harry’s Cultural Experience
I received an email from Peter, who is originally from Ireland (and currently living in the UK) and was the 100th person to participate in our tea ceremony workshop last year. He wrote: “My friend Harry, who is visiting from the UK, will be in Kyoto on February 25th and 26th. I was wondering if it might be possible for him to experience your amazing tea ceremony during his visit?” I’m so happy that Peter, who participated six months ago, remembers us and even recommended Komurasaki An to his friend. I immediately emailed Harry and arranged to meet him on February 25th at 3 PM.
When I arrived at Arashiyama Station, there was a person who seemed to be Harry. As I approached him, holding a sign with the UK flag printed on it, he noticed me and came towards me with a smile, extending his hand and saying, “Nice to meet you!”
I also smiled and said, “Welcome to Arashiyama!” Since he was Peter’s friend, I felt a sense of familiarity with Harry and didn’t feel like we were meeting for the first time.
Over twenty years ago, I took about 20 students from my school’s homestay program to a place called White Castle. Unlike Japan, most stores were closed on Sundays. In Japan, almost all stores in shopping streets are open on Sundays, which is a busy time for them. I asked Harry why the stores were closed on Sundays, and he said it was probably due to Christianity. However, he added that recently, especially in big cities, many stores are open on Sundays.
We usually perform the tea ceremony in the traditional Japanese seiza style, with knees bent, sitting on the heels on the tatami mats. However, many foreigners and young Japanese people who are accustomed to tables and chairs find it very painful to sit in seiza directly on the floor. Forcing yourself into an unfamiliar seiza position can also cause knee pain. Therefore, at Komurasaki An’s workshops, you are welcome to enjoy the tea ceremony while sitting cross-legged or stretching your legs. “Harry, are you okay? You’ve tried to sit in seiza so many times. Did your knees hurt? I truly hope your legs don’t suffer from lasting pain.“
Harry is a lawyer. He is friends with Peter, who recommended Komurasaki An, and they live just a 10-minute walk from each other. He is very interested in South America and has visited Chile, Colombia, Brazil, and other countries.
Harry’s trip to Japan ends in Niseko, Hokkaido. Niseko has some of the best powder snow in the world, great for skiing. “Harry, you can enjoy hot springs, delicious food, and beautiful views of Mount Yotei. I hope you have a lot of fun skiing and feel refreshed before going back to England. Please say hello to Peter for me.
