Samurai Tea Ceremony "The Ritual of Kuchikiri 2023"

While each month has its special characteristics, November is regarded as most important month of the chanoyu 茶の湯 calendar. The “New Year” of the Japanese way of matcha tea is celebrated with the Kuchikiri 口切り ritual.

In Japan, tea leaves are harvested every May, dried, packed into the chatsubo 茶壷 (tea jar), and stored in a cool, dark place for six months to mature. The umami of the tea leaves deepens, just like aging wine or whiskey. During Kuchikiri, the tea master cuts the seal of the chatsubo with a sword in front of the guests and removes the tea leaves. The leaves are ground into matcha and served as koicha (thick matcha/ formal matcha) so everyone tastes the new tea of the year together.

Kuchikiri has been handed down since ancient times as a very important ritual, though nowadays it is rarely performed. Yoshitsugu Nagano, a master of the samurai tea style Ueda Soko Ryu, introduced this custom to the New York City public when he arrived in 2019, and he continues to host the annual gathering.

Please join Chanoyu Week NYC 2023 in marking the occasion and enjoy the finest aged matcha!

The tradition of Japanese tea ceremony was created and has been continued since 800 years ago. It was samurai warriors that developed the tea ceremony as their essential practice to relax their mentality from battles.

I will introduce the tea ceremony which was created by samurai warriors. You are going to see the artistry, have a cup of matcha tea, and also have some traditional Japanese sweets to go with. I will also talk about Japanese history, culture, and most importantly the relationship between samurai warriors and tea ceremony.

The place “Globus Washitsu” offers a space with traditional Japanese architecture. You won’t find better place than this place to experience Japanese culture.

I am looking forward to see all of you.

Detail of Kuchikiri ritual 口切の儀:

1. Kuchikiri 口切
2. Sumitemae(charcoal laying) 炭手前
3. Congratulatory sweets 祝いの善哉
4. Koicha (thick matcha) 濃茶
5. Usucha (thin matcha) 薄茶
6. Discussion time

• Explanation of the Kuchikiri Ritual
• the history of Japanese tea ceremony
• the relationships of samurai and tea ceremony
• the spirituality of tea ceremony
• introduction of the tools that we use
• question and answer

*The contents are subject to change.

*If you have allergies, vegetarianism, or other dietary requirements, please contact us at least three days prior to the tea ceremony.

Dress code:

Western style clothes are acceptable. No sleeveless shirts, or short mini skirts. Please bring a clean pair of white socks. (We have some extra)

Please take off jewelry and watches.

*If you cancel for any reason, no refund or change of ticket to another tea ceremony will be given.

*The images are a record of the tea ceremonies we have held so far. They do not show the contents of this tea ceremony.

*The staff will take pictures of the tea ceremony. Please note that the images taken may be used for publicity purposes at a later date.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Globus Washitsu, 889 Broadway PHC, New York, United States