The program was organized by the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU in collaboration with the Urasenke Tea Ceremony Sect of Japan, the Urasenke Tankokai Association in Hanoi, and the Embassy of Japan in Vietnam on March 14, 2025, to promote the Tea Ceremony culture and contribute to strengthening the cooperative relationship between the two countries.
The presentation was not only a cultural exchange activity, but also marked the 30th anniversary of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities and the establishment of the Faculty of Oriental Studies, and the 10th anniversary of the Urasenke Association in Vietnam, with the participation of many honored guests, including Ms. Kamitani Naoko - First Secretary, Head of the Cultural and Information Department, Embassy of Japan in Vietnam; Mr. Yoshioka Norihiko - Director of the Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam; Mr. Machita Soryu - Vice President of the Urasenke Tea Ceremony Sect of Japan;
On behalf of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, there was the participation of Prof. Dr. Lai Quoc Khanh - Vice Principal of the school along with many lecturers and students.
The event also attracted the participation of lecturers and students from universities such as University of Foreign Languages, Vietnam-Japan University, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, FPT University and those who love Japanese culture.
Ms. Kamitani Naoko - First Secretary read the congratulatory letter from Mr. Ito Naoki, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Vietnam.
In his opening speech, Prof. Dr. Lai Quoc Khanh emphasized the role of Tea Ceremony in connecting people, bringing peace and tranquility to life. He expressed his appreciation for the cooperative relationship between the University and the Urasenke sect, and hoped that students would gain more insight into the beauty of Japanese culture.
Prof. Dr. Lai Quoc Khanh - Vice President of University of Social Sciences and Humanities delivered a welcome speech
At the presentation, Mr. Machita Soryu shared about the journey of Tea in human history, the journey of finding the self in Tea Ceremony and shared the four core principles of Tea Ceremony: Harmony - Respect - Purity - Tranquility. This is not only the art of enjoying tea but also a philosophy of life, helping people find balance and respect in daily communication.
One of the highlights of the event was the Tea Ceremony performance, where Mr. Machita Soryu and the Urasenke tea masters performed right on stage, demonstrating harmony and mutual respect between the tea master and the guests.
Mr. Machita Soryu gave a presentation on Tea Ceremony and introduced the Japanese Tea Ceremony.
On the same day, the USSH Tea Ceremony Club also organized a performance of the Ryurei ritual - Tea ceremony in a chair, making it easier for foreigners to access. The tea making process is elaborate, from pouring water, foaming tea, to offering tea, showing sophistication and respect for the tea drinker.
USSH Tea Ceremony Club performs Ryurei ceremony
The presentation on tea ceremony brought to the participants a lot of love for Tea Ceremony - a beautiful cultural feature of Japan. For VNU-USSH students, this was the first time they directly experienced Tea Ceremony and learned more deeply about Japanese culture right on the campus of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU.
The presentation on Japanese Tea Ceremony was attended by teachers of Oriental Studies and the USSH Tea Ceremony Club.
