1. Student's full name:Pham Thi Nhung
2. Gender:Female
3. Date of birth: 16/07/1999
4. Place of birth:Nam Dinh
5. Decision number for student admission:Decision No. 2279/2022/QD-XHNV dated August 22, 2022, of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
6. Changes in the training process:Decision on extending the study period for postgraduate students, from August 23, 2024 to February 22, 2025: Decision No. 3845/QD-XHNV dated August 1, 2024, of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
7. Thesis title:Urasenke and the Internationalization of Japanese Tea Ceremony
8. Major:Asian Studies; Code: 8310608.01
9. Scientific supervisor:Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Hai Linh - Department of Japanese Studies, Faculty of Oriental Studies, University of Social Sciences and Humanities
10. Summary of the thesis results:This thesis provides a comprehensive overview of the history, characteristics, and internationalization of Japanese tea ceremony, with a focus on the Urasenke school. From its historical origins to its modern role, Urasenke not only preserves traditional values but also strongly promotes internationalization, affirming the position of tea ceremony as an important cultural and diplomatic tool. In Vietnam, the presence of the Urasenke Tankokai Hanoi and the Ursasenke Tea Ceremony Club of USSH is evidence of the spread of tea ceremony, while also opening up opportunities for sustainable bilateral cultural and educational cooperation. The thesis is structured into three main chapters.
Chapter 1: An Overview of Japanese Tea Ceremony
This chapter provides an overview of the history and development of tea, beginning with the origins of the tea plant in China, where tea was used as a medicinal remedy and gradually became an integral part of cultural life. Later, tea was introduced to Japan around the 8th century by Zen Buddhist monks. From there, tea developed into an art form imbued with a philosophy of harmonious living, purity, and spiritual connection. Japanese tea ceremony (chanoyu) began to take shape in the 15th and 16th centuries with contributions from famous tea masters such as Murata Juko, Takeno Joo, and especially Sen no Rikyu, considered the "father" of the tea ceremony. He perfected the philosophy and rituals of the tea ceremony based on four fundamental principles: wa-kei-sei-jaku (harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility). This chapter analyzes the similarities and differences between Japanese tea ceremony and the tea cultures of other countries such as China and Vietnam, emphasizing the role of the tea ceremony as a distinctive cultural symbol of Japan.
Chapter 2: The Urasenke Tea School
Chapter 2 focuses on the Urasenke school of tea, one of the three largest tea schools in Japan, alongside Omotesenke and Mushakoji-senke. Founded in the 17th century by descendants of Sen no Rikyu, Urasenke boasts a history spanning over 400 years. A key characteristic of this school is its flexibility in maintaining tradition while expanding its application to suit modern times. The philosophy of wa-kei-sei-jaku (the tea ceremony) not only guides all Urasenke activities but is also evident in the design of tea rooms, the selection of tea utensils, and the organization of tea ceremonies. Urasenke tea rooms often emphasize simplicity yet sophistication, with tea utensils chosen according to the season, highlighting harmony with nature. Urasenke tea ceremonies are not only art forms but also reflect a philosophy of life, helping participants find balance and serenity. Furthermore, this chapter analyzes Urasenke's unique operational management system and its pioneering role in preserving and promoting traditional cultural values through educational activities and cultural exchange. The centers and schools established by Urasenke not only teach the Way of Tea but also serve as an important bridge between Japan and other cultures.
Chapter 3: Urasenke's Internationalization of the Tea Ceremony
This chapter analyzes in detail the process of introducing the Urasenke school of tea ceremony to the world, focusing on its internationalization activities from the mid-20th century to the present. Since World War II, Urasenke has strived to build and develop branches and clubs globally, from the United States and Europe to Asia. This spread aims not only to introduce the tea ceremony but also to promote international cultural and educational exchange. In Vietnam, Urasenke Tankokai has made significant progress in promoting the tea ceremony, particularly through performances, teaching, and collaborations with organizations such as the Japanese Embassy and Japanese cultural centers. In addition, the USSH Tea Ceremony Club – the only club in Vietnam recognized by Urasenke – plays an important role in organizing community events, especially for students. Furthermore, this chapter also points out the challenges in the internationalization process, such as balancing adaptation and localization with preserving the original essence of the Tea Ceremony in the context of globalization; and the limitations in infrastructure and teaching staff in the host country. Based on the survey results, this chapter proposes several solutions to improve the effectiveness of the internationalization process while maintaining the attractiveness and sustainability of the Tea Ceremony.
11. Practical applications (if any):Research on Urasenke and the internationalization of Japanese tea ceremony offers many practical applications. Firstly, this research can contribute to the preservation and promotion of Japanese culture through cultural exchange activities and events organized at educational institutions, cultural organizations, and tea-loving communities in Vietnam. Secondly, the research results provide useful reference material for teaching Japanese culture in schools or international cultural clubs. Furthermore, from an economic perspective, activities based on this research can create opportunities for cooperation between businesses in the tea production and trading sectors and cultural event organization. Simultaneously, the research contributes to strengthening diplomatic relations and international cooperation between Japan and Vietnam by promoting shared cultural values.
12. Further research directions (if any):The next research direction after completing this thesis is to focus on specific measures to localize, while preserving the core spirit of, the art of Taoism when disseminating it abroad, especially in the case of Vietnam.
Furthermore, conducting surveys on a larger scale could yield more accurate quantitative results to assess the impact of the internationalization of tea ceremony on the development of the tea industry and tourism, thereby providing solutions to promote sustainable development in this sector.
13. Published works related to the thesis:Are not
INFORMATION ABOUT THE MASTER'S THESIS
1. Full name of the candidate:Pham Thi Nhung
2. Gender:Female
3. Date of birth:July 16, 1999
4. Place of birth:Nam Dinh
5. Admission decision number:2279/2022/QD-XHNV dated August 22, 2022 of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Hanoi National University.
6. Changes during the training process:Decision on extending the study time of graduate students, from August 23, 2024 to February 22, 2025: No. 3845/QD-XHNV dated August 1, 2024 of the University Social Sciences and Humanities, Hanoi National University.
7. Thesis title:Urasenke and the Internationalization of Japanese Tea Ceremony
8. Major:Asian Studies; Code: 8310608.01
9. Academic advisor:Associate ProfessorDr. Phan Hai Linh – Department of Japanese Studies, Faculty of Oriental Studies, University of Social Sciences and Humanities.
10. Summary of the results of the thesisThe thesis provides a comprehensive overview of the history, characteristics, and development of the Japanese tea ceremony, with a particular focus on the Urasenke school. From its historical origins to its contemporary role, Urasenke not only preserves traditional values but also actively promotes the process of internationalization, solidifying the position of the tea ceremony as an important cultural and diplomatic tool. In Vietnam, the presence of Urasenke Tankokai Hanoi and USSH serves as evidence of the spread of the tea ceremony, while opening opportunities for sustainable cultural and educational cooperation. The thesis composed of three chapters as follows.
Chapter 1: An Overview of the Japanese Tea Ceremony
This chapter outlines the history and evolution of tea, starting with the origins of the tea plant in China, where tea was initially used as a medicinal remedy before becoming an integral part of cultural life. The tea plant was introduced to Japan around the 8th century by Buddhist monks, along with Zen Buddhism. From there, tea developed into an art form embodying philosophies of harmony, tranquility, and spiritual connection. The Japanese tea ceremony (chanoyu) began to take shape in the 15th and 16th centuries, influenced by famous tea masters such as Murata Juko, Takeno Joo, and especially Sen no Rikyu, who is considered as the “father” of the tea ceremony. He perfected the philosophy and ritual of the tea ceremony based on the four core principles of wa-kei-sei-jaku (harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility). This chapter also analyzes the similarities and differences between the Japanese tea ceremony and tea cultures in other countries, such as China and Vietnam, emphasizing the role of Chado as a distinctive cultural symbol of Japan.
Chapter 2: The Urasenke School
This chapter focuses on the Urasenke school, one of the three major schools of tea in Japan, alongside Omotesenke and Mushakoji-senke. Urasenke was founded in the 17th century by the descendants of Sen no Rikyu and has a history spanning over 400 years. The defining feature of Urasenke lies in its flexibility to maintain tradition while expanding its application to fit modern times. The principles of wa-kei-sei-jaku continue to guide every activity within Urasenke, reflected in the design of tea rooms, the selection of tea utensils, and the organization of tea ceremonies. Urasenke tea rooms emphasize simplicity and elegance, with utensils chosen according to the seasons to harmonize with nature. The tea ceremonies of Urasenke are not merely artistic expressions but also a reflection of a philosophy that encourages balance and serenity. Additionally, this chapter highlights Urasenke's role in preserving and promoting traditional cultural values, particularly through its educational and cultural exchange activities. The centers and schools established by Urasenke not only teach the tea ceremony but also act as important bridges between Japan and other cultures.
Chapter 3: The Internationalization of Chado by Urasenke
This chapter examines the process of spreading the tea ceremony worldwide by Urasenke, focusing on its internationalization efforts from the mid-20th century to the present. After World War II, Urasenke made significant efforts to establish branches and clubs around the world, including in the United States, Europe, and Asia. This expansion aims not only to introduce Chado globally but also to foster cultural and educational exchanges. In Vietnam, Urasenke Tankokai has made notable progress in promoting the tea ceremony, particularly through performances, teaching, and collaborations with organizations such as the Japanese Embassy and Japanese cultural centers. Large events, such as cultural exhibitions and international exchanges, have contributed to increasing awareness and interest in the tea ceremony among the Vietnamese public. However, this chapter also addresses the challenges of internationalization, including the adaptation to different cultures, maintaining the authenticity of Chado in the context of globalization, and the limitations in infrastructure and local teaching staff. To overcome these challenges, Urasenke has proposed solutions, such as establishing more training centers, training local instructors, and organizing international events to sustain the interest and ensure the longevity of the tea ceremony.
11. Practical Applications (if any):The research on Urasenke and the internationalization of the Japanese tea ceremony provides significant practical value. Firstly, it contributes to the preservation and promotion of Japanese culture through cultural exchange activities and events organized at educational institutions, cultural organizations, and tea ceremony enthusiasts' communities in Vietnam. Additionally, the findings offer valuable reference materials for teaching Japanese culture in schools or at international cultural clubs. From an economic perspective, activities derived from this research can create opportunities for collaboration between enterprises in tea production, business, and cultural event organization. Furthermore, the study strengthens diplomatic relations and international cooperation between Japan and Vietnam by promoting shared cultural values.
12. Future research directions (if any):Another potential research direction could explore measures to preserve the authenticity of tea ceremonies when introduced abroad, especially in culturally distinct environments.
Finally, quantitative studies based on a larger questionnaire survey are necessary to assess the impact of the globalization of tea ceremonies on the growth of the tea and tourism industries, thereby considering solutions to foster sustainable development in these sectors.
13. Related Publications:None
