Hello everyone, this is 2025 Miss SAKE Japan, Chisato Tateno.
On Monday, February 23, I had the honor of attending the commemorative Enshu School tea gathering held at the jet-black tea room “Kuroi Tobari” at Tosezan Shitennoji Temple in Tsu City, Mie Prefecture.
About This Tea Gathering
This commemorative tea gathering was held at “Kuroi Tobari,” a newly established zendo (meditation hall) within the grounds of Tosezan Shitennoji Temple. Centered around a ceremonial tea offering dedicated in gratitude and respect to Lord Todo Takatora, the first lord of the Tsu Domain and a renowned samurai commander of the Sengoku era, the event became a deeply meaningful cultural occasion. “Kuroi Tobari,” a jet-black immersive space produced by Tsu-born photographer Mr. Masashi Asada, was designed as a special environment where visitors could step away from the distractions of the outside world and confront their inner stillness. Accompanied by photographic works depicting the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya, India, the space guided guests into a profound spiritual atmosphere.
Within this solemn setting, the tea gathering was hosted by Ms. Sosho Kobori, second daughter of the 13th Grand Tea Master of the Enshu School of Tea Ceremony, Grand Master Sojitsu Kobori. Inside the tea room, a replica of Lord Todo Takatora’s armor was also displayed, creating a moment where history, spirituality, and the aesthetics of tea culture beautifully converged. The photographs featured here with the replica armor of Lord Todo Takatora were specially taken by photographer Mr. Masashi Asada himself, who attended the gathering alongside us. As someone who has long practiced tea ceremony myself, this became a precious opportunity to once again experience the spirit of “prayer” and “hospitality” that flows through the foundation of Japanese culture.
The Beauty of Craftsmanship Within the Jet-Black Tea Room
The venue was unified entirely in black—from the tatami mats and shoji screens to the hanging scroll in the alcove. Guests were served a moon-shaped jōnamagashi confection adorned with gold leaf, along with gently flavored matcha tea whose calm taste seemed to softly ease the heart. The tea bowl used for the gathering was “Blin Blin,” a work by ceramic artist Mr. Ryota Aoki. Emitting a deep and lustrous glow, the piece was created using Kohaku-yaki (“Amber Ware”), faithfully reproducing the texture of amber, which is said to have been studied throughout the life of Prince Shotoku. The work is distinguished by its unique use of genuine rare amber. Mr. Aoki also contributed to the recent Eye-Opening Ceremony by creating the “gyokugan” (crystal eyes) of the Reiwa Great Kannon statue, breathing new life into this symbol of prayer.
By chance, I also had the opportunity to meet Mr. Yoshiaki Nakagita, President and Representative Director of Ise Washi. In addition to producing the Japanese paper used for the hanging scroll displayed in the tea room, his washi is also used for talismans at Ise Grand Shrine and for goshuin seals at Tosezan Shitennoji Temple. Through traditional craftsmanship, he continues to support the deep historical and spiritual culture rooted in the land of Mie.
Encountering the Spirit of Wa
Although my own tea practice belongs to a different school, I have long been familiar with the world of tea ceremony. Across all schools of tea, there is a spirit that has been passed down through generations: Wa-Kei-Sei-Jaku — harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility. To respect one another, connect sincerely through each encounter, and quietly confront oneself within a peaceful space — this philosophy resonates deeply with Prince Shotoku’s teaching: “Harmony is to be valued.” As I sat within the jet-black space and savored a bowl of matcha, I found myself momentarily removed from the outside world and able to reflect inwardly. Through this experience, I once again realized the essence of tea ceremony as a culture devoted to facing one’s own heart.
This tea gathering, born from the harmony of spirituality passed down through history, reverence for nature, and the careful craftsmanship of artisans, reminded me that Japanese culture is not simply something preserved as tradition, but rather a “living aesthetic” quietly woven into modern daily life. As Miss SAKE, I hope to continue sharing not only the beauty of sake culture, but also the spirituality and aesthetic sensibilities that flow at the heart of Japanese culture, both in Japan and abroad.
Through this commemorative tea gathering, I once again felt that Japanese culture does not exist only in extraordinary settings, but quietly lives within human connections, prayer, and the rhythms of everyday life. The spirit of hospitality embodied in tea ceremony, along with the spirituality passed down across generations, deeply resonates with the culture of sake as well.
As Miss SAKE, I will continue to cherish the traditions and spiritual culture I encounter throughout Japan, while carefully conveying Japan’s aesthetic values and cultural spirit through sake to audiences both domestically and internationally. Carrying with me the connections and lessons I received here in Mie, I hope to continue sharing the beauty of Japanese culture with even more people around the world.
2025 Miss SAKE Japan
Chisato Tateno
