Bethany College to Host Sencha-Style Japanese Tea Ceremony and Workshop

BETHANY, W.Va. (March 21, 2025) – Bethany College’s Japan Outreach Program is proud to announce the Sencha-Style Japanese Tea Ceremony Presentation and Workshop, set for March 25-26, 2025. Since its founding in 1988, the program has actively promoted Japanese language and culture through a range of cultural events, educational initiatives, and community outreach. This special event, led by a licensed Sencha instructor from Japan, will offer attendees an exclusive opportunity to experience an authentic Sencha-style tea ceremony—a practice that remains relatively unknown outside Japan despite its deep cultural significance. 

The two-day event, located in the Student Success Center on the first floor of Phillips Memorial Library on Bethany College’s campus, will feature a presentation and hands-on workshop, providing a unique chance to explore the history, philosophy, and aesthetics of the Sencha-style tea ceremony. While the more widely recognized Matcha tea ceremony has gained international popularity, Sencha tea, an integral part of everyday life in Japan, is often overlooked. Attendees will not only witness live demonstrations but also engage in interactive learning experiences designed to foster a deeper appreciation for this traditional cultural art. This event is seen as an essential opportunity to revive and strengthen cross-cultural connections and understanding. 

Schedule: 

• Tuesday, March 25, from 11 a.m. to noon – Introductory session for those curious about Japanese tea traditions, including hands-on tea brewing workshop. 

• Wednesday, March 26, from 6 to 8 p.m. – A deeper exploration of Japanese culture through tea. 

Registration is not required! For more information, contact Bethany College Professor of Computer Science Fujiko Nito at fnito@bethanywv.edu. 

This project is being presented with financial assistance from the West Virginia Humanities Council, the official state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations do not necessarily represent those of the West Virginia Humanities Council or the National Endowment for the Humanities.