The Tea Ceremony
Lewin Kim (Horace Mann School)
Steam rises in the air as the tea flows from the pot into my ceramic bowl. The smell is faint, yet
familiar. I’m conscious of the green and red flowers painted on the white surface of the bowl. As my fingers
wrap around it, I kneel on a cushioned mat, balanced and calm. Sensei, in her emerald kimono that seems
to change shape with each graceful movement, watches me. I take a sip, feeling the green tea’s warmth
travel through my body, down my arms, and to my fingers. Sensei offers me a bowl of sugar candy,
explaining that it serves as a spiritual balance to the bitterness of the tea. We both stand and bow as a sign
of appreciation and respect.

While this scene could have taken place in any teahouse in Kyoto, the ceremony transpired at the
Horace Mann School in the Bronx on Japan Day. Although I was born in the U.S. and have no ancestral ties
to the Japanese, this tea ceremony reminds me of what I value about their culture. My upbringing was
shaped by years of watching Japanese films such as Princess Mononoke and picking up groceries from the
Mitsuwa Marketplace. In school, I chose to study Japanese as my foreign language.

My parents took my family on a trip to Japan so I could see with my own eyes the beauty of the
country. I was stunned by the bright and colorful lights of Tokyo at night. Exploring the Japanese
countryside was equally impressive and was where I tasted the unrivaled softness of Kobe beef for the first
time. It was also the first time I bathed in an onsen, a Japanese hot spring, which rejuvenated me both
physically and mentally. What struck me was the level of inventiveness in Japan. While most people think
of Tokyo Tower or other typical tourist attractions when they think of Japan, I was inspired by the newer,
creative buildings such as Joypolis, a huge indoor amusement park that was built to look inconspicuous in
the heart of Tokyo’s offices and towers.

After my memorable trip, I wanted to continue my cultural ties to Japan while living in the states. As a
high school freshman, I joined East Wind West Wind, a school club that promotes a better understanding
and awareness between Eastern and Western cultures so I could share my knowledge and experience with
others. I realized that Japan, despite being one of the smaller countries of the world, is a leader in creativity,
ingenuity and hope.

Even as Americans, we can benefit from embracing Japanese culture because it is a culture of learning
and teaching. Japan’s traditional folk tales and stories emphasize the strength of family and dreams. Today,
its movies carry valuable lessons: Hayao Miyazaki’s imaginative films Ponyo and My Neighbor Totoro
touch upon the importance of friendship and reciprocation to others, and appreciation for nature. It is
important to the Japanese to pass on their ancient traditions.

The tea ceremony gives me the opportunity to share my knowledge of Japanese culture with others
who are unfamiliar with it. After the ceremony ended, one of my friends passed by and asked me what was
happening. I explained the spiritual significance of the ceremony and encouraged him to try it. I led him
to my sensei, and as my friend kneeled on the cushion, I introduced them. As I started walking to my next
class, I caught a glimpse of my friend carefully raising his bowl of tea, while a harp softly played Gagaku,
the traditional music of Japan, the sound bouncing off of every string with a light pluck.

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