JCC E-Magazine January 2026

A guest trying out traditional tea making.

A guest trying out “Tate” (sword fighting).

Guests at JCC were transported to the Kansai region at the special event “The Heart of Japan ~ Matcha, Samurai, and the Soul of Kansai ~” on 2 December. The event was co-organised by JCC, Kansai Tourism Bureau and Union of Kansai Governments.

Originally where Japan’s capital used to be, Kansai is home to almost a quarter of Japan’s registered world heritage sites. Not only that, it is also said to be where tea ceremony and Samurai culture originated from. Guests were able to witness a tea ceremony demonstration by Kyo-Roman, and an exciting “Tate” (たて) sword fighting performance by The Nippon Tate-do Kyokai (Japan Sword Action Association). Some lucky guests were also able to try out these activities first-hand!

There was also a networking session for local and Japanese tourism organisations as well as with Friends of JCC - while being served specialties of the Kansai region including Kobe sake, fresh sashimi, beef broth and simmered traditional vegetables from Kansai.

We hope that everyone would be excited to plan their next trip to Kansai - not just to popular sightseeing spots but also to many tranquil destinations in the region!

The Nippon Tate-do Kyokai (Japan Sword Action Association).		Guests enjoying the food served at the event.
Senior Manager of the Tourism Promotion Department of KANSAI Tourism Bureau, Mr Nakamura Ichiro introducing Kansai to the guests.		Tea Master Nabeshima Kazumi and Ms Ikari Chihiro from Kyo-Roman introducing the 4 principles of tea ceremony.
Japanese Sake served at the event.		Guests at the networking session.
A shamisen performance.		JCC Director Ms Kawabe Akiko giving a speech.
Deputy Director of Region-wide Tourism, Culture, and Sports Promotion Office, Union of Kansai Governments, Ms Shibutani Isayo, giving the closing remarks.

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