Japan Brews Closer Ties With Malaysia Through Tea Ceremony
BENTONG (Pahang,Malaysia) July 6 (Bernama) -- In the tranquil surroundings of Bukit Tinggi’s rolling hills, away from the bustle of Kuala Lumpur, lies a traditional Japanese tea garden where every bow, every carefully prepared cup of tea and every shared moment serves a purpose beyond ceremony - deepening the enduring relationship between Japan and Malaysia.
More than a showcase of tradition, the Japanese tea ceremony serves as a platform for cultural diplomacy to foster mutual understanding and draw the two nations closer through stronger people-to-people ties.
For the Embassy of Japan in Malaysia, the tradition reflects the shared values anchoring ties between the two countries, with Deputy Chief of Mission Nihei Daisuke noting that the principles embodied in the tea ceremony resonate deeply with Malaysia's multicultural society and foster deeper mutual cultural understanding.
“Japan and Malaysia share common values such as respect, harmony and appreciation of diversity, which form an important foundation for bilateral relations.
“Malaysia is also a multicultural society where different ethnic groups live together in harmony. That respect for differences is something we also value deeply in Japanese culture,” he told Bernama after the Japanese tea ceremony at the Japanese Garden, Berjaya Hills, Bukit Tinggi, on Sunday.
The one-day event was held to introduce the culture of the Japanese tea ceremony to the Malaysian public and further promote cultural exchange and friendship between the two countries.
For Daisuke, the tea ceremony is more than a cultural ritual as it embodies the philosophy of appreciating human connection and valuing each encounter.
“It is not only a ritual of making and drinking tea, but about appreciating the moment we share with people, and valuing the encounter that will never happen again,” he said.
He said cultural diplomacy through the tea ceremony helps both sides better understand each other beyond formal cooperation in areas such as the economy and security.
“Through cultural diplomacy, we aim to promote friendship and mutual understanding between Japan and Malaysia,” he said.
He said Malaysians' appreciation of Japanese culture has evolved over the years, extending well beyond anime, manga and cuisine to embrace traditional arts and customs such as the tea ceremony.
“In recent years, we have seen Malaysians deepening their understanding of Japanese culture, including traditional aspects. We truly appreciate this interest,” he said, adding that the tea ceremony also provides an authentic setting for Malaysians to experience Japanese culture while fostering cultural exchange.
--BERNAMA
