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  Sakai, located in the southern part of Osaka with convenient access from Kansai International Airport and Shin-Osaka Station, is the birthplace of Sen no Rikyu, who perfected the tea ceremony. It is also home to Osaka's first World Heritage Site, the stunning Mozu Tombs, as well as tranquil historical shrines, temples, and cityscapes. Sakai is a cultural city in Japan where you can feel the beauty and aesthetics of Japan, boasting traditions such as tea ceremony and cutlery.

 

  From Saturday, May 10th to Tuesday, May 13th, 2025, Sakai City will host an event "Re-Discover JAPAN’s Beauty in Sakai, Osaka" at the Expo 2025 venue "Gallery EAST" and "Pop-up Stage South". It is in accordance with the Expo 2025 theme "Designing Future Society for Our Lives," showcasing the appeals of Sakai, including Japanese tea ceremony culture. We will offer experiences to rediscover the essence and origins of this beauty at the Expo 2025 venue. 

 

  At the event, visitors can experience a traditional outdoor Japanese tea ceremony served by “three great tea ceremony schools,” music stages featuring both Japanese and Western styles, and a tea ceremony surrounded by bamboo artworks by Tanabe Chikuunsai IV (https://chikuunsai.com/profile/) and  natural flowers, all free of charge.

 

  In Sakai, where Sen no Rikyu was born and raised, townspeople also enjoyed tea ceremonies. Considering the history of Sen no Rikyu conducting tea ceremonies for people regardless of their social status, we will host a "Grand Tea Ceremony" where diverse visitors from both domestic and international backgrounds can enjoy freely.

 

・Experience a tea ceremony by “three great tea ceremony schools,” with matcha green tea  or sencha leaf tea and traditional sweets from long-established confectionery shops, enjoying a special moment of hospitality.
・Enjoy stage programs featuring tea ceremony demonstrations and music performances in both Japanese and Western styles.
・Admire beautiful and vibrant traditional Japanese umbrellas and lanterns dyed with traditional “chusen” technique. 
＊Chusen: A traditional hand-dyeing technique designated by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry as a national handcraft and used for "Naniwa Honzome Yukata" summer kimono and "Naniwa Honzome Tenugui" towels

＊All experiences are free of charge.

 
 ■Gallery EAST: "Timeless Retreat - Envision a future urban retreat where silence and tranquility sharpen the mind"

  Considering that tea ceremonies were cherished for bringing peace and tranquility even in times of war, we aim to co-create with visitors a "space where everyone's life is valued and shines," free from preconceived notions and constraints. 

 

・Enjoy the art of tea ceremony surrounded by bamboo artworks by Tanabe Chikuunsai IV and appreciate the beauty and creativity of tea utensils by contemporary artists.
・Cherish fleeting life through a tea ceremony and meditation surrounded by plants and flowers.
・Enjoy a unique encounter with Sakai's open mind philosophy.
＊All experiences are free of charge.

  You can find the latest information on the special website that summarizes the event held by Sakai City at the Expo venue and related events in Sakai city.
 

  This event is part of the spring activities of "Osaka Week" held in three phases (spring, summer, and autumn) in collaboration with municipalities within Osaka Prefecture. "Osaka Week" is a program where Osaka Prefecture, as the representative entity, collaborates with municipalities within the prefecture to showcase the appeals of various regions in Osaka to domestic and international audiences. The spring phase will be held from Friday, May 9th to Sunday, May 18th.

 

  Sakai City will host a "Sakai Spring Event Press Tour" for media representatives to cover the spring event hosted by Sakai City at the Expo 2025 venue. Coverage is possible on dates other than the press tour. Please visit the venue.

 

1. Date and Time: Saturday, May 10th, 2025, from 10:00 AM
2. Meeting Point: Pop-up Stage South within the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025 venue 
　　　　　　　　(Yumeshima, Konohana-ku, Osaka City)

3. Content: Introduction to the spring event hosted by Sakai City at the Expo 2025 venue 
 

4. Other: A pass is required for entry to the Expo 2025 venue, so please bring your media AD badge.

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