General Secretary, President To Lam’s spouse experiences Japanese Tea Ceremony culture
WVR - As part of the official visit to Japan with General Secretary and President To Lam, spouse Ngo Phuong Ly experienced traditional Japanese culture at the Akasaka State Guest House in Tokyo.
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| Spouse Ngo Phuong Ly experiences making tea by hand. (Source: VNA) |
In traditional Japanese kimono attire, spouse Ngo Phuong Ly listened to an artisan introduce the tea ceremony – an art form preserved for 450 years since the time of tea master Sen no Rikyu. The host selected tea utensils that reflect the beauty of famous Vietnamese ceramics from the 16th century, serving as a silent reminder of the historical exchange between the two nations.
After the introduction to the history of the tea ceremony, spouse Ngo Phuong Ly was invited to enjoy sweets and tea. The artisan also invited Madame to the tea-making area to experience making tea by hand. For the first cup of tea, spouse Ngo Phuong Ly respectfully offered it to Mrs. Akiko Santo, former President of the House of Councillors of Japan and the eldest person present.
Expressing her admiration for the demeanor of the spouse of General Secretary, President To Lam in kimono attire, Mrs. Akiko Santo sincerely thanked Madame for offering the first cup of tea. This gesture was in line with the spirit of “respect” in the tea ceremony and resonated with the Vietnamese tradition of “respecting the elderly”, adding warmth and closeness to the experience.
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| Spouse Ngo Phuong Ly offers the first cup of tea to Mrs. Akiko Santo, former President of the House of Councillors of Japan. (Source: VNA) |
The Japanese elevate tea to an “art” with strict rituals and a serene spirit. For the Vietnamese, a cup of tea is part of daily life and the first greeting when guests arrive. One side is solemn, the other intimate, yet both value sincerity, hospitality, and respect for the counterpart.
The experience on the evening of November 9 not only demonstrated the respect of the Vietnamese guest for local traditional values but also showcased the hospitality and gracious reception of the Japanese side, affirming the vitality of traditional values in modern times.
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| Spouse Ngo Phuong Ly in traditional Japanese kimono attire. (Source: VNA) |
Vietnam is currently one of the world's top five tea producers, with many renowned tea regions and varieties that have captured the hearts of tea lovers worldwide. Matcha, the soul of the tea ceremony, is now also made from Vietnamese tea leaves. Japanese companies, like Morinaga, have sought cooperation to produce authentic Japanese matcha at prices suitable for the Vietnamese market.
The small cup of tea in Akasaka, though modest, carries the message of “Thien ly dong phong” (Thousands of miles, same wind) from the calligraphy hanging in the room: Vietnam and Japan, though separated by thousands of miles, share the same breeze.
This breeze once carried Vietnamese ceramics to Japan centuries ago. Today, it continues to spread through collaborative projects, joint products in various fields, and meetings between the people of the two countries.
