“It is a great pleasure to share the refinement of tea ceremony tableware and utensils.” – Mr. Arita

“A thoughtful arrangement in consideration for someone will speak without words.”

 “The sound of boiling water from a tea kettle – where the bubbles quickly jump to the surface of the water and just as quickly disappear – is quite a soothing one. In the world of Japanese tea ceremony, we call this Matsukaze no Oto (roughly translating to ‘the sound of wind blowing through pine trees”). My heart feels at ease whenever I hear that sound. If I can seize “the moment” and “the sensations” I enjoy, the ceremony grows more delightful, and it feels as if I can see more of what is possible.”

Those are the words of Mr. Yoshiyasu ARITA, Takaoka Branch Chief of the Urasenke Tankokai Federation, an organization that aims to ensure the standardization of the Urasenke school of Japanese tea ceremony rules and tea-making procedures. In his day job, he is the president of Arita Corporation, a construction material management company. Outside of work, he conducts various duties for the Urasenke Federation and the Takaoka Branch, such as supporting tea ceremony instructors and hosting seminars with the tea ceremony head masters in Kyoto.

The Arita family has passionately enjoyed tea ceremony for generations. Their family head four generations prior had gained deep respect from the Kyoto head masters for his contributions to the world of Japanese tea ceremony.

“Four generations ago, our family head was a fanatic craftsman; he ran a community tool and utensil shop and started out as a swordsmith. In the past, tea ceremony was practiced almost entirely by gentlemen, as it was considered to be the tool of their trade, something essential in their education and knowledge.”

The Arita family has strived to popularize tea ceremony throughout the Hokuriku central-western region of Japan. After the founding of the Urasenke Tankokai Federation in 1940, they played important roles in the federation, such as Chief Secretary and Branch Chief, acting as the backbone for the development of tea ceremony in the regional community.

“Since I was a child, I grew up seeing my grandfather mentoring the federation tea masters in the way of tea, so I have a great intimacy with tea ceremony beyond the question of preferences or tastes. What I vividly recall, even now, is the comfort of lying down on the tatami floors when nobody was around. During New Year’s, my father and grandfather would whisk green tea for us. The sound of the water boiling during those times felt just right for the atmosphere of the New Year. Those were restful, happy times.”

“Tea ceremony is about further enjoying oneself through the process of sharing what everyone finds interesting in it. I would love to expand the tea ceremony community to share its delights like this with more people.”

Tea ceremony activities include things such as hosting school tea ceremonies (Gakko Chado) at preschools, nurseries, and universities, in addition to the Urasenke Federation’s Youth Division activities, where tea ceremonies are held at Japan Junior Chamber International circles. The Urasenke Youth Division also actively hosts a variety of hands-on experiences to help familiarize others with the culture of tea ceremony, such as teacup making, bamboo crafts, making Japanese snacks, and brewing tea for people climbing the Tateyama mountain range in Toyama. There is also the Takaoka Yūshinkai, where Takaoka statesmen gather to participate in tea ceremony.

Mr. Arita is intent on creating more opportunities for others to discover Japanese tea ceremony wherever they go – opportunities where people can freely enjoy it, or can choose to further their interest if they so wish.

“There is a guiding principle of the headmasters that goes: ‘Discover Chanoyu (tea ceremony), Discover Japan. Let us become the cultural bridge for the Japanese people who have not yet discovered Japan.’ When I went overseas, I was asked the most about Japanese culture and the place I grew up in. My native culture became international. By coming to know Japanese culture, we can rediscover what is at the core of ourselves. I hope that acquainting oneself with tea ceremony can be one of those meaningful opportunities.”

一般社団法人茶道裏千家淡交会 <Urasenke Tankokai Federation>

Address: Takaoka Ekuru 2F. 65 Tonyamachi, Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture. 933-0804.
Tel: 0766-28-0008

https://www.hokurikushinetsu-seinenbu.org/department/takaoka/

在田吉保／YOSHIYASU ARITA

Urasenke Tankokai Federation
General Headquarters Councillor
Takaoka Branch Chief

【Profile】

Yoshiyasu ARITA is the current president of ARITA Corporation, a construction material management company. At the Urasenke Tankokai Federation, Mr. Arita serves as the Takaoka Branch Chief and is actively involved in a variety of undertakings, such as providing support for tea ceremony instructors and the Uransenke Youth Division, creating learning opportunities by hosting seminars, and hosting school tea ceremonies.

Visited Takaoka in 2013 through the introduction of his professor and participated in “Takaoka Machikko Project”. Migrated to Takaoka in 2014 and took a role in administrative operation of the guest house “Honmachi-no-ie” since May 2014.