Sister city relationship to be celebrated at Japanese tea ceremony
Published on 03 February 2022
For the first time a public tea ceremony will be held at the Japanese Tea House at Bason Botanic Gardens, highlighting Whanganui’s sister city relationship with Nagaizumi-cho.
Whanganui District Council group manager - customer experience and international relations advisor, Marianne Cavanagh, is delighted recognition of the sister city relationship and how the tea house came to be at the gardens will be in the spotlight on Monday, 14 February 2022.
The tea house was generously gifted to Whanganui by Nagaizumi-cho and originally sited at the former Friendship Centre in Whanganui East. It was then relocated to Bason Botanic Gardens in Westmere.
Marianne Cavanagh says, “Nagaizumi-cho and Whanganui have been sister cities for more than 30 years and many long-lasting friendships have developed over that time. We appreciate the opportunity to host a tea ceremony at such a beautiful building and location.”
The tea house was originally assembled in Japan then disassembled before all parts were shipped to New Zealand and put together in Whanganui by specialised builders.
While the ceremony will take place outside, the tea house’s windows and doors will be open so those attending can view the interior and appreciate its construction using traditional Japanese building methods.
Nagaizumi-cho Mayor Osamu Ikeda says he is grateful to Whanganui District Council for hosting a public tea ceremony at the tea house gifted by Nagaizumi-cho. It will be an opportunity for Whanganui residents to take an interest in their sister city and learn more about Japanese culture, he says.
“Because of COVID-19, it is disappointing that we can’t visit each other in person to develop our sister city relationship but we will do what we can in the meantime. When I am able to visit Whanganui, I look forward to having a tea ceremony with Whanganui people.”
COVID-19 protocols mean bookings are essential and numbers will be limited to 15 people for each of the two ceremonies scheduled for 2.00pm and 3.30pm. Each tea ceremony will take about 45 minutes.
Whanganui residents Michiko Yamada, Rie Onogi and Mizuho Jones have helped to organise and present the tea ceremony (known as Sadou).
It can take many years to become a master of Sadou and to understand its meaning and movements. Special utensils and equipment are used, along with powdered green tea. Sweets, whisks and the special tea have been sent from Nagaizumi-cho especially for this occasion.
Michiko Yamada says, “For me, Sadou is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity – the moment of having peace in your heart and nature and respect for each other. Everyone has different opinions, but at the tea ceremony we are all equal.”
Rie Onogi says it is important that everyone at a tea ceremony feels comfortable. “Many people think that the tea ceremony is just having tea but it is more than that. It is the place to receive hospitality. Showing your compassion for others leads to enriching yourself through the tea ceremony.”
Mizuho Jones says she was surprised to find a traditional tea house in New Zealand and was impressed that Nagaizumi-cho had spent time and effort to bring a tea house here as a gesture of friendship. “I never imagined that I would go to a traditional Japanese tea house somewhere overseas. As it is impossible to travel to Japan at the moment, I’m grateful that there is this kind of place in Whanganui.”
A valid My Vaccine Pass is required to attend this event for everyone aged 12 years and older. Bookings can be made by email or phone ONLY. Please contact council property and facilities officer, Aimee Ashworth, between 8.30am and 5.00pm, Monday to Friday, by calling 06 349 0001 or emailing: yourcouncil@whanganui.govt.nz
Bookings close on Thursday, 10 February 2022.