Japanese Traditional Cultures
Tea Ceremony, "Chado"
The Japanese tea ceremony, also known as “Chado” or “Sado”, is a ritualized way of preparing and drinking green tea typically in a traditional tearoom with tatami floors. Beyond just serving and receiving tea, the main purpose of the tea ceremony is for the host to show the hospitality and provide them a delicious tea, and for the guests to enjoy the hospitality of the host in an atmosphere distinct from the fast pace of everyday life.
Zen meditation、”Zazen"
Zen meditation, also known as Zazen, is a meditative discipline that is typically the primary practice of the Zen Buddhist tradition. The goal is not be bound by the images in your mind, but to experience yourself as it really is just by devoting yourself to sitting.
If you stretch your back and straighten your body, your mind will be straight. Then, if your mind is straight, your thoughts will be straight. Maintaining posture, Controlling breath and keeping the mind calm are important in Zazen.
Kimono
The kimono is representative of Japanese culture and heritage, and there are different types of kimono worn to complement every season and occasion.
The current style of Kimono was completed in the Heian era (794-1185) and everyone in Japan wore kimono as their daily apparel until the mid 19th century. Today, it is most often worn by women on special occasion such as weddings, birthdays, funerals, tea ceremonies and festivals, etc. It is an art form that has produced many outstanding designs throughout the centuries.
Daruma, good luck charm
What makes Daruma the most popular good luck charm?
You purchase Daruma dolls with blank eyes when setting high goals or wishing something like business prosperity. Then swear that you will make the effort without compromise for your goal, and draw in one of the blank eyes. In this way, you can recall the goal whenever you see one-eyed Daruma. After achieving your goal, you draw in another eye to express gratitude for helping you. Daruma is considered a symbol of perseverance and reaching the objective as it always stands up positively, and expressing the spirit “Nanakorobi Yaoki “, meaning failing down seven times, getting up eight times to try again.
和佳 Waka
Since 2013, World Event Link Co., Ltd. has been organizing various events to promote Japanese culture as an exchange of friendship with host cities abroad. Waka was created in response to visitors' desire to buy an authentic Japanese product in the showroom.
Japan has a unique culture, for example, there are said to be numerous kinds of gods in Japan, and they are called Yaoyorozunokami (8 million gods). The Japanese have believed in gods that exist in various things, such as mountains, rocks, trees, kitchen, and even a grain of rice. The reason why artisan do not cut corners even in the invisible part of the work is because they naturally recognize that they are seen by the gods.
At Waka, we will present products that inherit the spirit of the Japanese artisan, from traditional products to products that have evolved into a modern style. WA "和" means Japan itself and harmony, and KA "佳" means excellent. We hope you will find your favorite products and experience Japanese culture.