About

Join MEAA for a special version of their traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony to celebrate Tanabata!

Celebrated in Japan since the 700s, Tanabata is a Japanese star festival that tells the story of the celestial lovers Orihime and Hikoboshi. Enjoy exploring the themes of Tanabata with your host Yukie Williams and Yukie Scott as you learn about traditional Japanese tea culture.

Try ceremonial grade matcha tea prepared for you by your host. With over a decade's experience in practising tea ceremonies, known as sadō (茶道), Yukie Williams draws inspiration from both her training and her early years in Japan. Alongside Yukie Williams, Yukie Scott will give an explanation of the Japanese Tea Ceremony, exploring the different elements and giving you an insight into each step of the process.

To accompany the matcha, you will have a chance to sample nerikiri, a traditional Japanese sweet. These are handcrafted by Ryoko Stibbe for MEAA's Japanese Tea Ceremonies and are different for each session. Ryoko chooses the shape of each nerikiri to reflect the seasons.

As part of the event, you will receive a 3g pouch of matcha courtesy of our partner, Comins Tea. With the knowledge you have gained, you can try making yourself an authentic matcha in your own home!

Following your Tea Ceremony session, you will have the chance to explore the Museum, including In Bloom and Discovery Room.

Supported by Comins Tea.

£35 public | £30 MEAA Friends & Volunteers | £30 Student and BBFA