Sogetsu Ikebana and Japanese Tea Workshop（28 November 2025）
2025/12/3
On 28 November 2025, Consul General and Mrs. MATSUI hosted a Japanese cultural workshop at the official residence, featuring Sogetsu Ikebana Workshop, Japanese Tea Workshop and a tea-kaiseki inspired Shokado bento. This event was primarily attended by representatives of the Auckland Consular Corps, regional Maori leaders and the former Mayor of Hamilton, guests who have shown high interest in the Japanese culture and grass-roots exchange with Japan.
In the Ikebana Workshop, led by Ms. MURAKAMI Keiko (Sogetsu Auckland Branch Vice Director), the participants first learned the history of Ikebana, with the spirit of Ikebana brought to life in the introduction and also some basics of Ikebana and how to treat flowers and branches in her demonstration, and then they created their own arrangements, experiencing the elegance of Japanese tradition and creation of floral art.
During the Japanese Tea Workshop, Ms. HOSHINA Chiwako （Japan Tea Goodwill Ambassador of the Japan Tea Export Council） introduced the philosophy and cultural meaning of tea, demonstrated the brewing process, and guided guests in tasting its refined flavors, while learning the differences and ways to enjoy among Gyokuro, Hojicha, Sencha and Matcha, together with Japanese sweets prepared by Mr. KITAZONO, Chef for Consul General of Japan in Auckland in what we called “Japanese High Tea”.
Following the tea, a Shokado bento in the style of tea-kaiseki, prepared with consideration for the guests’ countries of origin, was introduced and served by Chef KITAZONO. The bento provided a culinary expression of hospitality which Japan values such as the underlying values of mutual respect, harmony and practice.
The event ended warmly with Māori songs, creating a memorable moment of friendship and cultural connections between all the participants.
In the Ikebana Workshop, led by Ms. MURAKAMI Keiko (Sogetsu Auckland Branch Vice Director), the participants first learned the history of Ikebana, with the spirit of Ikebana brought to life in the introduction and also some basics of Ikebana and how to treat flowers and branches in her demonstration, and then they created their own arrangements, experiencing the elegance of Japanese tradition and creation of floral art.
During the Japanese Tea Workshop, Ms. HOSHINA Chiwako （Japan Tea Goodwill Ambassador of the Japan Tea Export Council） introduced the philosophy and cultural meaning of tea, demonstrated the brewing process, and guided guests in tasting its refined flavors, while learning the differences and ways to enjoy among Gyokuro, Hojicha, Sencha and Matcha, together with Japanese sweets prepared by Mr. KITAZONO, Chef for Consul General of Japan in Auckland in what we called “Japanese High Tea”.
Following the tea, a Shokado bento in the style of tea-kaiseki, prepared with consideration for the guests’ countries of origin, was introduced and served by Chef KITAZONO. The bento provided a culinary expression of hospitality which Japan values such as the underlying values of mutual respect, harmony and practice.
The event ended warmly with Māori songs, creating a memorable moment of friendship and cultural connections between all the participants.
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