VALENCIA | Building cultural bridges

Under the azure skies at the ancient Cullera Castle, I felt a profound connection to both my heritage and my audience. Demonstrating the Japanese tea ceremony in collaboration with a master from Japan, with intricately shaped seasonal sweets crafted in a nerikiri workshop, became a cultural bridge between continents.

The air was perfumed with the scent of ink as calligrapher Kyoko Yamamoto took the stage. Her brush dancing over a black Tomesode kimono, transforming fabric into a canvas of flowing kana calligraphy.

The event took a mesmerizing turn as Rairen Nishikawa started her traditional Japanese dance. The fluid dancing movements highlighted her grace anddeep connection to her art. The rustling silk illustrated reflected the cultural narratives embedded in each choreographed step.

This blending of tea, sweets, calligraphy, and dance, became a rich cultural experience that left an indelible mark on the vibrant crowd.