Beyond Inheritance

It took a little courage to publish this text.

It wasn't about what to write, but how to convey my feelings and with what words.

I'm writing this text, stopping and rewriting it many times.

This spring, I inherited ZENLAB and Suzakuen, which Tomoko-sensei had built.

Tomoko-sensei taught me the Way of Tea.

But she didn't just teach me the tea ceremony procedures.

Through the Way of Tea, she taught me the splendor of Japanese culture, the heart that cherishes the seasons, and the richness of appreciating beautiful things.

She created connections with people, showed me many sights, and spent invaluable time with me.

Many of the things I hold dear today were nurtured during the days I spent with Tomoko-sensei.

The word "inherit" has a very gentle ring to it.

However, within that word lies a weight that cannot be fully expressed in a single phrase – the feelings, aesthetics, and human connections accumulated over many years.

Whenever I think of the magnitude of that legacy, I sometimes feel uneasy, wondering, "Can I fulfill this role?"

Even now, that feeling hasn't entirely disappeared.

But as I continued to ponder, I arrived at one answer.

“To inherit is not to become someone else, but to connect the feelings received to the future through one's own journey.”

I intend to take one step at a time, holding that thought in my heart.

The Way of Tea is a culture that has been passed down from person to person for hundreds of years.

It continues to captivate people's hearts precisely because things have been carefully preserved.

And at the same time, it has been passed down to the present, incorporating new expressions in each era.

I, too, wish to be a part of that flow.

Carefully preserving what should be protected.

And not being afraid of new challenges.

Making tea more accessible.

Bringing the beauty of Japan into daily life.

That is what I aim to achieve through ZENLAB moving forward.

In this blog, I will write not only about the finished products but also about the process.

Days when things don't go as planned and I stop.

Days when I feel the joy of something new being born.

Days when my heart is moved by seasonal flowers.

Days when my mind is gently settled by a cup of tea.

Because I believe that all of these are precious times that will nurture ZENLAB from now on.

It's still just the beginning.

That's why I will proceed step by step, without rushing.

While inheriting the feelings that Tomoko-sensei carefully fostered, I want to weave a new story for ZENLAB and Suzakuen, combining them with my own sensibilities and journey.

From now on, I will continue to carefully deliver rich moments that begin with a cup of tea, and the beauty of Japan, from my own perspective.

I would be grateful if you would watch over my journey with warmth.

Thank you for your continued support.