Oceania

(1) Introduction to Japanese Tea Culture and Experience of Japanese Matcha Tea Whisking

Commencing at 10:00 a.m. Japanese tea culture was introduced with the cooperation of the Agency for Cultural Affairs (ACA) and ITO EN, LTD. in the tea room of the Japanese Style Annex, the State Guest House, Akasaka Palace. In advance of the holding of the Partners’ Program, Mrs. Kishida stated to the participants “Japan and the Pacific Islands Region have been cultivating their kizuna (bonds) for many years. I hope that this Partners’ Program will serve as an opportunity for strengthening the kizuna among everyone who has come here today and for you all to get to know Japan better.” Then they enjoyed matcha tea and wagashi (traditional Japanese confectionery) together. After that, the spouses of the leaders from each country experienced Japanese matcha tea whisking and enjoyed the matcha tea they had whisked themselves.

Commencing at 10:45 a.m. with the cooperation of ACA, a maki-e lacquer (sprinkled gold) experience was presented with MUROSE Kazumi, Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property “Maki-e Lacquer” (individual recognition so called “Living National Treasure”) as the instructor.
At first, the participants received an explanation from Mr. Murose about urushi and maki-e lacquer. Then they experienced making maki-e lacquer, a traditional craft unique to Japan (an experience of the process of sprinkling gold powder to create designs) with urushi, which is environmentally friendly and has been used for approximately 9,000 years, and on a paperweight decorated with mother of pearl, with which the Pacific countries have an affinity.
Mrs. Kishida referred to the a traditional craft of wajima-nuri lacquerware from Ishikawa Prefecture which was affected by an earthquake in January this year and said: “In this Partner’s Program, I hope you all feel the beauty of the traditional crafts of Japan while also wishing for the recovery of that area.” , At the end, the participants enjoyed feeding carp from the hiro-en (low veranda).

Commencing at 12:30 p.m. Mrs. Kishida held a luncheon in a small dining hall in the Main Building of the State Guest House, Akasaka Palace.
At the beginning of the luncheon, Mrs. Kishida once again welcomed the spouses of the leaders from each country to Japan and expressed her gratitude for their attendance at the Partners’ Program.
The luncheon had the “ocean” as its theme, the participants talked about the cultures, societies, and initiatives that can be taken close to home to realize a sustainable society shared among the participating countries in a relaxed atmosphere surrounded by French cuisine by a Japanese chef using fish, which is very familiar to the Pacific Islands Region.

(Reference 1)
Menu and Provided drinks (PDF)

The cultural experiences and luncheon were opportunities to welcome the spouses of the leaders to Japan, deepen their understanding of Japanese culture, and deepen the friendship and bonds among the participating spouses of the leaders.