With the Deepening of Autumn: The Aesthetics of ‘Nakaoki’ and Thoughtfulness in Tea Ceremony
As autumn deepens, subtle changes begin to appear in our lives, in tune with the shifts in nature. For instance, students switch from their summer uniforms to winter attire, and kimono transition from light single-layer fabrics to thicker lined garments. These adjustments to the changing climate reflect an awareness of thoughtful consideration in our daily lives, a concept also valued in the world of tea ceremony, where the preparation and presentation evolve with the seasons.
In October, a special tea ceremony called “Nakaoki” is performed, marking the final month of using the portable brazier (furo). In this practice, the brazier, typically placed near the host’s side, is moved to the center of the tatami mat. This gesture carries a meaning—it brings the warmth of the fire closer to the guest, a reflection of thoughtfulness. As the mornings and evenings grow cooler, contrasting with the lingering warmth of midday, this subtle shift in the arrangement is designed to offer comfort to the guests.
In daily life, small acts of consideration, in tune with the changing seasons, can deepen our connections with others. For instance, as the weather cools, offering a warm drink or asking, “Would you like a lap blanket?” in a shop are examples of warm hospitality. Just as offering a lap blanket helps ensure someone’s comfort, Nakaoki in tea ceremony is an expression of the same spirit—bringing the fire closer, even by a little, to warm the guest.
Nakaoki is a special practice performed only in October, marking the end of the furo season, which runs from May to October. In November, the tea ceremony shifts to using the sunken hearth (ro), which involves placing charcoal in a square cut into the tatami and setting the tea kettle over it. This transition mirrors the change of the seasons and is an important part of the flow of time within tea ceremony. Nakaoki, with the brazier placed centrally, serves as a symbolic conclusion to the furo season.
The tea ceremony reflects the essence of Japanese culture, which honors the changing seasons and the natural flow of time. Paying attention to small changes in our daily lives and offering sincere hospitality is deeply connected to the spirit of tea ceremony.
This autumn, why not take a moment to notice the subtle changes around you and embrace the beauty of small, thoughtful gestures?