30/09/2026
Second Staff Training Program at Tokyo Detention House
Japanese Tea Ceremony × Workplace Wellbeing
I was honored to be invited back to Tokyo Detention House for the second YUKODOU tea ceremony training program for staff, following our first session in February.
Having a Japanese government institution invite YUKODOU back for a second program means a great deal to me.
Around half of the participants had also joined the first session, and it was wonderful to see familiar faces and be welcomed back so warmly.
The theme of this session was:
“A moment to reset yourself.”
Using Japanese tea ceremony as the foundation, the program combined preparing and drinking matcha with awareness of the body, breathing, gentle movement, and a few minutes of quiet meditation.
The purpose was not simply to learn how to make matcha.
It was an opportunity to step away from work for a moment, notice how the body and mind were feeling, and experience a different way of resetting through Japanese culture.
According to the post-session survey:
○100% said their concentration felt more settled compared with before the session.
○90% reported a positive shift in their state of mind.
○90% said they would like to incorporate self-care practices into their daily lives.
Participants also shared:
“Having time to take care of myself was valuable.”
“My mind was completely empty during meditation.”
“I felt calmer and more relaxed.”
“I want to make time in my day to simply do nothing.”
This second program was held for female staff members, but one survey response also shared that many male colleagues had expressed interest in participating in a future session.
For me, this is one of the possibilities of tea ceremony today.
Japanese tea ceremony is a tradition with centuries of history, but its value does not have to remain only inside the traditional tea room.
Through YUKODOU, I bring the philosophy and practices of Japanese tea culture into settings where people can experience Japanese culture, slow down, connect with others, and discover the meaning behind each movement.
YUKODOU programs can be designed for:
Corporate & workplace programs
Japanese cultural events & international events
Retail stores, hotels & hospitality venues
VIP & private cultural experiences
Workshops for international guests and teams
Programs can be offered in Japanese and English, and adapted to the audience, venue and purpose of each event.
I would love to bring YUKODOU to more companies, organizations, brands and communities — in Japan and internationally. 🌏🍵
For collaborations, corporate programs, cultural events or private experiences, please feel free to contact me by DM.
YUKODOU | Japanese Tea Culture
Yuko Kotaki | Tea Master, Tokyo