The tea ceremony is not something stiff! It was the ultimate fun otaku culture! ── A recommendation of 'Chaji' proposed by the new book 'Somewhat Understandable Tea Ceremony'

The entry point to the tea ceremony can be not only through 'lessons' but also through 'tea gatherings (chaji)'! Start with tea gatherings and immerse yourself in the depths of the tea ceremony! The book 'Somewhat Understandable Tea Ceremony: A Collection of Stories about Fun Tea Gatherings', a proposal for a 'new tea ceremony' as the original form of entertainment by Udagawa Sokoh, the 18th generation of the Sowa school of tea ceremony, who is popular as a modern 'Chaji guide', was released today, April 8, by Shogakukan.

This book is a volume that redefines the essence of the tea world, which has a strong image of strict manners and discipline, making you feel 'Is the tea ceremony really this much fun?'. It features a number of surprising tea gatherings thoughtfully designed to surprise and enjoy with guests, from historical greats like Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Sen no Rikyu, to modern aesthetes and contemporary tea masters. These episodes are explained humorously by comparing them to modern otaku culture, such as 'oshikatsu' (fandom), gamers, and subculture.

[Book Information] *********************************** Somewhat Understandable Tea Ceremony A Collection of Stories about Fun Tea Gatherings *********************************** Author: Udagawa Sokoh Price: 1,980 yen (tax included) Release Date: April 8, 2026 Format: B6 size, 256 pages ISBN: 978-4-09-311608-4 Publisher: Shogakukan https://www.shogakukan.co.jp/books/09311608

In the first place, tea gatherings were a free play without rules! In modern times, the tea ceremony is often thought of as a place to learn 'mental discipline' and 'good manners'. However, by reading the tea gathering episodes of the tea masters appearing in this book, you will realize the original way to enjoy it. It introduces various forms of the tea ceremony that can be enjoyed even without knowing the manners, inviting you to the joy of tea gatherings along with comical illustrations.