On August 2, 2026, the 13th Kan’ei Culture Lecture, “The Imperial Family and the Tea Ceremony — Focusing on Emperor Go-Mizunoo,” was held at ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Kyoto. The lecture was organized by the Kan’ei Imperial Procession 400th Anniversary Executive Committee and co-organized by Living History KYOTO.
We were pleased to welcome Toru Yoda, Curatorial Director of the Toyama Memorial Museum, as our guest speaker. Drawing on the history of the Imperial Family and the tea ceremony from the early Heian period, beginning with Emperor Saga, Mr. Yoda explored the role and significance of tea for members of the court.
Using a variety of historical sources, including Tōji Nenju Gyōji, Rokuon Nichiroku, and Kan’ei Gyōkōki, he introduced records of the opening of new tea jars, tea gatherings, and tea utensils, accompanied by slides.
The lecture offered a fascinating opportunity to imagine the world of tea in the Imperial Court.
We would like to express our sincere thanks to Mr. Yoda for his insightful lecture, and to everyone who attended the event.
Photo by Masaki Hashimoto
