Chanoyu Presentations at Japan Fair, Bellevue, WA

Event Date: 7/12/2025

Japan Fair, held at the Meydenbauer Convention Center in Bellevue, is a highly regarded cultural event that was honored with the "Event of the Year" award at the Visit Bellevue annual meeting. This free, two-day festival welcomes more than 20,000 visitors each year. It features hands-on activities, workshops, cultural performances, and exhibition booths from a wide range of Japanese organizations, businesses, and community groups—including the Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle.

The Seattle Special District presented Chanoyu demonstrations on a special stage, where a pop-up tearoom was set up with the organizers' support. Guests were invited to watch a thin tea (usucha) demonstration, learn about the tradition of Chanoyu established by Sen no Rikyu, and then sit on tatami to enjoy matcha and Japanese sweets brought from Japan.

For many attendees, it was their first encounter with Chanoyu, and the experience offered a meaningful opportunity to appreciate the beauty and spirit of Japanese tea culture.

We look forward to continuing to share the art of tea with our broader community.

ベルビュー市のメイデンバウアー・コンベンションセンターで開催された Japan Fair は、Visit Bellevue 年次総会で「Event of the Year」に選ばれた、地域で高い評価を得る日本文化イベントです。入場無料の会場には、体験会・ワークショップ・展示ブースなど、多彩な催しが並び、2日間で毎年 2 万人以上が訪れます。

シアトル特別地区では、主催者がご用意くださった特設ステージにポップアップ茶室を設け、薄茶点前のデモンストレーションを行いました。さらに、来場者の皆さまには畳に座っていただき、日本から運んだ和菓子と抹茶で茶の湯を体験していただきました。

多くの方が「初めての茶の湯体験」と喜ばれ、日本文化への理解を深めていただく貴重な機会となりました。今後も地域の皆さまに、茶の湯の魅力を広くお届けしてまいります。