A former student returned with family and her German friends after 33 years, making our 2-hour workshop unforgettable.
I suddenly received some delightful news in an email from a former student. She was one of the students I taught English to when I was a teacher at Doshisha Girls’ High School. The email said:
Hello, Mr. Kira! It’s been a while. This is Ayumi Shimizu from the high school English club. I know this is a last-minute and difficult request, but I was wondering if my relatives from Germany and my family could possibly join one of your tea ceremony experiences this Saturday. I’m going to be showing them around Kyoto, and it would be a wonderful opportunity for them.
I scheduled a workshop for 2 p.m. and was looking forward to seeing her again after 33 years.
Just before 2 o’clock, the doorbell rang. I was so excited to open the door and welcome my six guests. Ayumi hadn’t changed a bit since high school; it was as if more than 30 years hadn’t passed at all. “Hello! Welcome!” I said, checking each of their faces as I invited them into my home.
Ayumi, who was in Doshisha Girls’ High school English Club, was a cheerful girl with a radiant smile. She was always surrounded by friends and laughter. Over 30 years later, she’s still the same, now with a lovely family that includes her kind husband, Tomo, and their two fun children, Natsuki and Daichi.
I told Daichi, “If your parents scold you and you feel you can’t be at home, you can always come to my place for shelter!” Natsuki, who was listening behind us, chimed in, “Then he’ll have to come over every day!” We all burst out laughing.
The photo on the left is of Tilo, the grandson of Ayumi’s husband Tomo’s uncle, who married a German woman. The photo on the right is Tilo’s friend, Maxi.
When Ayumi’s family traveled to Germany and France two years ago, Tilo and his family took great care of them.
The two-hour tea ceremony workshop flew by! I’m so grateful to Ayumi for taking me back to my days as a teacher at Doshisha Girls’ High School 33 years ago. And to Tomo, Natsuki, and Daichi, thank you for coming—I felt a great sense of familiarity with you all, even though we had just met. I hope the two Germans enjoyed the tea ceremony. I wish you all a memorable trip in Japan!
