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.
Go Further
Animals
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Environment
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- Philippines' reefs are some of the most vibrant—but in perilPhilippines' reefs are some of the most vibrant—but in peril
- The biggest living thing on Earth is being nibbled to deathThe biggest living thing on Earth is being nibbled to death
History & Culture
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- How U.S. abortion laws went from nonexistent to acrimoniousHow U.S. abortion laws went from nonexistent to acrimonious
- A Viking ship burial held riches—and a surprising mysteryA Viking ship burial held riches—and a surprising mystery
- Fleeing violence in Venezuela, women migrants face callous indifferenceFleeing violence in Venezuela, women migrants face callous indifference
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Science
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Travel
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