When Akiko Kawai returned to Japan after studying political management in Washington, D.C., she was convinced that the harsh realm of campaigning and lobbying could learn from the world of tea. “The core spirit of Japanese tea culture is harmony,” Kawai says. In 2017 she founded Sakura Cha Meet, a global NGO specializing in “tea diplomacy,” a concept dating back 400 years that aims to bridge political and cultural divides by the act of sharing a cup of tea. Since then, she’s hosted ceremonies from Texas to Israel—and online, to accommodate social distancing in the time of COVID-19.

“The core spirit of Japanese tea culture is harmony,” says Akiko Kawai. She founded the global group Sakura Cha Meet to convene tea ceremonies that encourage political bridgebuilding.
Read This Next
Go Further
Animals
- Hundreds of dogs died in Virginia before the USDA actedHundreds of dogs died in Virginia before the USDA acted
- Shades of dark: the story of night photography, Video Story
- Paid Content
Shades of dark: the story of night photography - Dolphins can identify their friends by taste, study showsDolphins can identify their friends by taste, study shows
Environment
- Activists fear a new threat to biodiversity—renewable energyActivists fear a new threat to biodiversity—renewable energy
- Next-gen weather station installed near Everest’s summitNext-gen weather station installed near Everest’s summit
- Climate change is eroding a precious resource: sleepClimate change is eroding a precious resource: sleep
- Global food crisis looms as fertilizer supplies dwindleGlobal food crisis looms as fertilizer supplies dwindle
- 13-foot-long stingray found in deep hole in Mekong River13-foot-long stingray found in deep hole in Mekong River
- Their house has stood 130 years. A new fire era may change that.Their house has stood 130 years. A new fire era may change that.
History & Culture
- He defied Japanese incarceration in the U.S. during WWIIHe defied Japanese incarceration in the U.S. during WWII
- Dionysus, Greek god of wine, was more than just a 'party god'Dionysus, Greek god of wine, was more than just a 'party god'
- What happened to these four lost cities of ancient Africa?What happened to these four lost cities of ancient Africa?
- Hard hit by COVID-19, Black Americans are recovering slowlyHard hit by COVID-19, Black Americans are recovering slowly
- What was the mystery message written on the mummy's wrappings?What was the mystery message written on the mummy's wrappings?
- This woman navigates the Pacific without technologyThis woman navigates the Pacific without technology
Science
- Monkeypox cases are rising—here’s what we know so farMonkeypox cases are rising—here’s what we know so far
- These oddball galaxies are missing their dark matterThese oddball galaxies are missing their dark matter
- New therapies revolutionize treatment for hard-to-heal woundsNew therapies revolutionize treatment for hard-to-heal wounds
- Why love and touch were once called ‘dangerous’ to children, Video StoryWhy love and touch were once called ‘dangerous’ to children
- Why it’s important to explore the science of touch
- Magazine
- From the Editor
Why it’s important to explore the science of touch
Travel
- The surprising history behind the Lincoln MemorialThe surprising history behind the Lincoln Memorial
- The surprising story of how the Philippines came to VirginiaThe surprising story of how the Philippines came to Virginia
- 10 places where you can ditch your car this summer10 places where you can ditch your car this summer
- Six parks telling surprising stories of the American SouthSix parks telling surprising stories of the American South