A Night at the Observation Deck with the Kamei Miraku Kiln of Takatori Ware

The second edition of “An Invitation to Dawn”, an overnight experience at the Main Deck of Tokyo Tower organized by the Franco-Japanese Association for the Way of Tea, was held with Miraku Kamei XV, master of the Kamei Miraku kiln of Takatori ware, and Hisaaki Kamei, his successor.

We had previously shared a tea gathering with Miraku Kamei XV in collaboration with the Comte de Chandon-Moët, while Hisaaki Kamei had also joined us for tea gatherings with the former French Royal House and in Cameroon.

Some guests, having heard about the success of the first edition, reserved their places almost immediately. As a result, the event was held with the number of participants slightly exceeding the original capacity.

At midnight, guests were given the special opportunity to watch the Tokyo Tower lights being turned off from an exclusive area of the Main Deck. They then took part in experiences in ceramic making and kōdō, the Japanese Way of Incense.

Before we knew it, it was already past 4:00 a.m.

Sunrise that morning was at 6:28 a.m.

Beginning at 5:00 a.m., we served morning rice porridge, followed by sweets. At the appropriate moment, I prepared koicha individually for each guest.

Before us, the magnificent red Mount Fuji (Aka-Fuji), completely free of clouds, slowly revealed itself in solemn beauty.

From 7:00 a.m., around sunrise, we continued with a ryūrei-style tea gathering, joined by my students as well.

The red Fuji, illuminated by the first light of dawn, was something that could “absolutely never” be seen during Tokyo Tower’s normal operating hours. It became a special privilege reserved exclusively for the participants of this extraordinary night.

The next gathering will be the final edition, scheduled for January 21, 2022, with the great honor of welcoming Hōsai Matsubayashi XVI, head of the Asahiyaki kiln.