Cameroon Tribune

Japanese Cultural Day
Would You Like Some Tea?

Tea in Japan, a True Tradition

The gathering was held on October 3 in Yaoundé, in the presence of the Ambassador, Tsutomu Osawa.

Tea is a beverage enjoyed throughout the world. But in Japan, drinking tea is not merely a tradition; it is also an art. Its preparation and serving require a genuine aesthetic discipline.

In Cameroon, the Japanese tea ceremony has become a ritual. On October 3, during the second edition of this cultural event, Tea Master Soyu Mori and Kamei Hisaaki, who had come from Japan, conducted a tea ceremony.

They shared this special moment with the participants, while also providing explanations along the way.

“Green tea has several benefits. It can relieve headaches and bodily aches, and can even be used to remove excess salt,”

said Tea Master Soyu Mori.

The tea ceremony thus reveals a spiritual dimension. According to Junior Sébastien Akoa, one of the participants and president of the Cameroonian Aikido Federation, a Japanese martial art,

“Tea is served in calmness and harmony. This reveals distinction and consideration for others. Afterwards, one finds complete peace with oneself and also with others.”

Before the tea itself was served, several stages formed part of the ceremony, which took place in the presence of the Japanese Ambassador to Cameroon, His Excellency Tsutomu Osawa.

Tea Master Soyu Mori gave a detailed explanation of the origins of tea and its provenance all the way to Japan.

The participants also ate a cake before drinking the tea, in order to prepare their palates, because,

“the tea itself is very bitter,”

Soyu Mori reminded them.

Cameroon is the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to receive a visit from this Japanese master, a specialist in the tea ceremony.

The third edition of this cultural and spiritual event is already scheduled for 2020.

Virginie ONANA (intern)