San Francisco Japanese culture exchange

🍵online Tea Ceremony Workshop
A 60-Minute Mind Reset Experience

Presented by Active Zen

Led by a Japanese culture instructor
with international hospitality experience in Kyoto

Busy mind. Endless tasks. Constant pressure.
This is your moment to pause.

Slow down.
Reconnect.
Reset your mind through matcha.

【🌸Event Details】

✔ June 14, 2026 (Sunday)
✔ 1:00 – 2:00 PM (PST)
✔ Online (Zoom)
✔ Group session (Limited seats)
✔ Beginner-friendly / English session

【🍵Concept】

This is not just a tea ceremony.
It is a simple, accessible
Japanese mindfulness experience
designed for busy professionals.

Through matcha, you will learn how to:
✔ Slow down your thoughts
✔ Focus on the present moment
✔ Create a small ritual for your daily life
Even one cup of matcha can change your day.

【🍵Flow】

※ Total session: 60 min

① Introduction (10 min)
② Instructor Introduction (5 min)
③ What is Matcha? (Visual explanation) (10 min)
④ Make Your Own Matcha (Guided practice) (10 min)
⑤ Drink & Reflect (Sharing time) (10 min)
⑤ Q&A (5 min)
⑦ Closing(10min)

【👥Who is this for?】

✔ Feeling mentally drained from multitasking
✔ Struggling to switch off from work
✔ Experiencing digital fatigue
✔ Interested in Japanese culture or matcha
✔ First-time or beginner in tea ceremony
✔ Looking for a simple way to relax and reset

In today’s fast-paced world,
what you truly need is not more information—
but stillness.

Japanese tea ceremony is a method to slow the mind and return to the present.

Through each movement of preparing matcha,
you will experience deeper breathing,
slower motion, and a return to your senses.

In just 60 minutes,
feel your mind become clear and calm.

【💡What You Will Gain】

✔ A calm and clear state of mind
✔ A simple ritual you can continue at home
✔ Basic knowledge of matcha and tea culture
✔ A practical way to reduce stress
✔ A moment to reconnect with yourself
In just 60 minutes,
you will experience a shift from
busy → calm.

This is more than an experience.
It is a moment to step away from daily noise,
reconnect with yourself, and reset your mind.

【🍵Requirements】

✔ Computer (Zoom access)
✔ Tea bowl (any bowl is fine)
✔ Tea Whisk （Chasen）
✔ Tea Spoon （Chashaku） (as alternative to tea scoop)
✔ Matcha
✔ Hot water (approx. 85°C)
✔ Japanese sweets (wagashi)
( If wagashi is not available, you may enjoy other sweet snacks such as chocolate instead.)
✔︎ Plate for sweets

✔ If you do not have the required tools,
they are easily available on Amazon
or at Japanese tea shops and local Japanese stores
in major cities such as San Francisco.

If you need guidance on where to purchase them,
please feel free to contact us — we are happy to assist you.

✔ Having your own set of tools allows you to continue practicing
at home and deepen your experience.

【💡Before the Workshop】

Please prepare the following before the session begins:
✔ Prepare hot water at approximately
85°C/185°F in a pot or thermos
✔ Soak the tea whisk (chasen) in water beforehand
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

【👘Instructor】
Miki Miura
✔ Japanese culture instructor (Tea / Cooking / Origami)
✔ Hospitality experience serving international guests in Kyoto
✔ Certified in Service Hospitality (Level 1)
✔ EIKEN Pre-1 / TOEIC 820
✔ Western culinary training (Le Cordon Bleu)
✔ Experience supporting Japanese cultural events in Paris
She combines Japanese tradition
× hospitality × global communication
to create a warm and welcoming experience.

【🌸About the Experience】
Japanese Tea Ceremony is a traditional art form with over 600 years of history.

It is a moment to slow down,
calm the mind, and reconnect with yourself.
This session introduces the basics of tea ceremony in a modern and accessible way,
with full support in English.

Enjoy this peaceful moment at home,
with matcha, sweets, and a sense of calm.

【💡Reserve Your Spot】

Seats are limited.
This is a free, group experience.

This is a warm, welcoming event.
Solo participants and first-timers are very welcome.

【🌿 About Active ZEN】
Active ZEN is a Japanese culture and mindfulness project
that brings authentic Japanese wisdom into modern life.

Through tea ceremony, calligraphy, and Ikebana,
we offer practical tools for calm, clarity, and balance
— especially for busy professionals.

【👩‍🦰About the Organizer】
Kaori is based in Tokyo, Japan, and is originally from Kanazawa. Founder of Active ZEN and a former international flight crew member with ANA (All Nippon Airways).

She currently runs career development programs in Japan and creates Japanese cultural experiences for people living overseas. Kaori has traveled to over 50 countries and enjoys cultural exchange, language exchange, traveling, and cooking.

【💬Notice】
Photos and videos may be taken during the event and shared on our website or social media at a later date.

If you prefer not to appear in any photos or videos, please inform the organizer in advance.

Please kindly note that cancellations should be made via Meetup at least 3 days before the event.

Cancellations made 48+ hours before the event: full refund
Cancellations within 48 hours: non-refundable
No-shows: non-refundable

If the event is canceled or rescheduled by the organizer, a full refund will be issued or a new date will be offered.

A recording of the session will be provided for 7 days as an optional courtesy for participants who are unable to attend.

Refund requests must be submitted via Meetup messaging prior to the event start time.

🍵 Online Tea Ceremony Workshop
An Authentic Japanese Mindfulness Experience
to Refine Your Presence
Presented by Active ZEN

Led by a Urasenke Tea Ceremony Instructor with 20+ years of experience

Slow down. Refine your presence. Step into a more graceful, mindful version of yourself. This is your moment to pause—and transform.

**【**🌸 Event Details】

• Date: June 21, 2026 (Sunday)
• Time: 17:00 – 18:00 (PST) / 20:00 – 21:00 (EST)
• Format: Online (Zoom)
• Language: Japanese-led session with real-time AI translation in multiple languages
• Capacity: Group session with limited seats to ensure an intimate experience
• Level: Beginner-friendly (No prior experience required)

【🍵Concept】
This is not just a tea ceremony.
It is a simple, accessible
Japanese mindfulness experience
designed for busy professionals.

Through matcha, you will learn how to:
✔ Slow down your thoughts
✔ Focus on the present moment
✔ Create a small ritual for your daily life
Even one cup of matcha can change your day.

**【**🍵 The Flow】
Introduction(10 min)
Speaker Self-Introduction (5 min)

• Welcome & Opening Remarks

The Spirit of Zen Temples (5 min)

• Insights into Temple Culture

Tokonoma Viewing (10 min)

• Appreciating the Seasonal Aesthetics & Hanging Scroll

Checking Tools & Mindful Matcha Preparation (20 min)

• Hands-on Tea Making Experience

Reflections, Q&A, & Wrap-up (5 min)

• Reflections, Q&A, & Wrap-up

Closing(10min)

**【**👥 Who is this for?】

• High-performing professionals feeling constant pressure and demands
• Those struggling to slow down, disconnect from work, or find true focus
• Anyone experiencing digital fatigue or mental overload
• Individuals interested in Japanese culture, Zen philosophy, or matcha
• Beginners who want to explore tea ceremony without the pressure of strict rules
• Anyone seeking elegance, enhanced presence, and inner calm

In a world driven by speed and constant connection, many people lose touch with themselves. The Japanese tea ceremony is not just about making tea. It is a practice of absolute presence, awareness, and refined human connection.

Every movement has meaning. Every gesture reflects respect, mindfulness, and care. Through this experience, you will not only learn “how” to prepare matcha—but “how to be.”

**【**💡 What You Will Gain】

• A 30-second ritual to instantly reset your mind and regain focus
• A deep sense of calm, mental clarity, and stress relief
• A practical, Japanese approach to modern mindfulness
• Elegant movements and a more grounded, confident presence
• A new perspective on daily life and meaningful interactions
• A simple daily ritual you can easily integrate into your busy routine

After the session, you will feel:

• Lighter, mentally refreshed, and recentered
• More present and intentional in your daily interactions

**【**🌿 About This Experience】
This is not a strict or intimidating traditional class. Even if you feel:

• “I’m not good at rituals”
• “I might not do it perfectly”

You are warmly welcome here. Our instructor firmly believes that you don’t need to be perfect. Small, mindful actions can beautifully transform your presence. Anyone can cultivate grace and awareness. This session gently guides you to become “the kind of person others admire” through simple, meaningful practice.

**【**🍵 Requirements】

• Computer or tablet with Zoom access
• Tea bowl (Any small ceramic bowl or wide mug is perfectly fine)
• Tea whisk (Chasen)Tea spoon (Chashaku or a regular teaspoon)
• Matcha powder
• Hot water (approx. 85°C / 185°F)
• Japanese sweets (wagashi) or if unavailable, any small dessert or biscuit is perfectly fine.
• Tea strainer optional but recommended

✔ If you do not have the required tools,
they are easily available on Amazon
or at Japanese tea shops and local Japanese stores
in major cities such as San Francisco.

If you need guidance on where to purchase them,
please feel free to contact us — we are happy to assist you.
✔ Having your own set of tools allows you to continue practicing
at home and deepen your experience.

**【**💡 Before the Workshop】
Please prepare the following before the session begins:
✔ Prepare hot water at approximately 85°C/185°F in a pot or thermos
✔ Soak the tea whisk (chasen) in water beforehand
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

**【**🪭 Instructor Profile】
Sonoko Shinohara Urasenke Tea Ceremony Instructor

• 20+ years of dedicated tea ceremony practice and study.
• Passionate about bringing the beauty of Japanese etiquette and mindfulness into modern global lifestyles.
• Dedicated to helping professionals cultivate elegance, presence, and inner calm.

Her journey began with a deep admiration for a graceful tea master and a personal desire to become an inspiring, elegant woman. Today, she shares this timeless philosophy with the world: “You, too, can become the person you admire.”

【🌸About the Experience】
Japanese Tea Ceremony is a traditional art form with over 600 years of history.
It is a moment to slow down,
calm the mind, and reconnect with yourself.
This session introduces the basics of tea ceremony in a modern and accessible way,
with full support in English.
Enjoy this peaceful moment at home,
with matcha, sweets, and a sense of calm.

【💡Reserve Your Spot】
Seats are limited.
This is a free, group experience.
This is a warm, welcoming event.
Solo participants and first-timers are very welcome.

【🌿 About Active ZEN】
Active ZEN is a Japanese culture and mindfulness project
that brings authentic Japanese wisdom into modern life.
Through tea ceremony, calligraphy, and Ikebana,
we offer practical tools for calm, clarity, and balance
— especially for busy professionals.

【👩‍🦰About the Organizer】
Kaori is based in Tokyo, Japan, and is originally from Kanazawa. Founder of Active ZEN and a former international flight crew member with ANA (All Nippon Airways).

She currently runs career development programs in Japan and creates Japanese cultural experiences for people living overseas. Kaori has traveled to over 50 countries and enjoys cultural exchange, language exchange, traveling, and cooking.

【💬Notice】
Photos and videos may be taken during the event and shared on our website or social media at a later date.

If you prefer not to appear in any photos or videos, please inform the organizer in advance.
Please kindly note that cancellations should be made via Meetup at least 3 days before the event.

Cancellations made 48+ hours before the event: full refund
Cancellations within 48 hours: non-refundable
No-shows: non-refundable

If the event is canceled or rescheduled by the organizer, a full refund will be issued or a new date will be offered.
A recording of the session will be provided for 7 days as an optional courtesy for participants who are unable to attend.

Refund requests must be submitted via Meetup messaging prior to the event start time.

Online Japanese Fermentation Workshop
The Ultimate Gut-Health Superfood: Master the Art of Japanese Koji Fermentation
Presented by Active ZEN

Led by a Japanese Cooking & Fermentation Expert (20+ Years Experience)

Slow down. Reconnect with your body. Bring balance, vibrant energy, and natural Umami back into your daily life—through the power of Japanese living cultures. This is your moment to reset from the inside out.

【🌸 Event Details】

• Date: June 28, 2026 (Sunday)
• Time: 17:00 – 18:00 (PST) / 20:00 – 21:00 (EST)
• Format: Online (Zoom)
• Language: Japanese-led session with
  real-time AI translation in multiple languages
• Capacity: Unlimited seats for this group session
• Level: Beginner-friendly (No cooking experience required)

【🍶 The Flow】

1. Introduction (5min)
2. Instructor's Journey: Food as Self-Care (5 min)
3. What is Koji? The Science and Foundation of Japanese Gut-Health (10 min)
4. Hands-on Masterclass: Crafting Your Own Live Shio-Koji (15 min)
5. Biohacking Your Meals: Simple, 5-Minute Everyday Recipes & Umami Hacks (15 min)
6. Pro-Tips, Interactive Q&A & Wrap-up (5 min)
7. Closing(5 min)

【👥 Who is this for?】

• Busy professionals looking to reduce stress, chronic fatigue, and brain fog
• Anyone focusing on gut health, digestion, glowing skin, or boosting daily energy
• Individuals passionate about wellness, clean eating, and organic lifestyles
• Foodies curious about authentic Japanese culinary secrets and Umami
• Absolute beginners with zero cooking or fermentation experience
• Those looking for sustainable, effortless health habits to upgrade their lifestyle

【💡 What You Will Gain】

• Your own homemade batch of Shio-Koji (Probiotic Salt Base)
• A seamless daily habit that naturally supports gut health, immunity, and digestion
• Natural, clean ways to deep-flavor your everyday meals with pure Umami (No additives, no chemicals)
• A deeper awareness of your body-mind connection through nutrition
• A sustainable, high-impact approach to healthy living that saves you time

After the session, you will feel:

• More connected and intuitive with your body's needs
• Excited and inspired to upgrade your daily meals effortlessly
• Lighter, energized, and deeply nourished

【🌿 About This Experience】
This is not a technical, demanding, or complicated cooking class. Even if you feel:

• “I’m not a good cook.”
• “I don’t have time for complex health routines.”

You are warmly welcome here. Our instructor firmly believes that healthy habits should be simple, joyful, and sustainable. Small, daily actions can powerfully transform your long-term well-being. Food is the ultimate form of self-care.

This session is an invitation to discover how simple ingredients can heal, protect, and support both you and your loved ones.

【🍶 What You Will Make】

• Shio-Koji (Fermented Salt & Umami Base)
• Easy to blend in just 15 minutes, ready to use in 5–7 days!
• A master substitute for regular salt or soy sauce that elevates meats, veggies, dressings, and soups.
• 100% Vegan & Gluten-Free adaptable.

【🥣 Requirements】

• Dried Rice Koji
• Sea salt
• Water
• A mixing bowl
• A clean glass jar or container with a lid (500–800ml recommended)

💡 Where to buy Koji?
Don't worry! Dried Rice Koji is easily available online via Amazon, or at Japanese/Asian grocery stores (such as Mitsuwa, Nijiya, or H Mart in major US cities).

Immediately right after you register, we will send you direct, easy shopping links so you can secure your ingredients with one click before the workshop!

【💡 Before the Workshop】

• Please have all ingredients and your container placed at your workspace before the session begins.
• Ensure a clean, comfortable working space.

【👩‍🍳 Instructor Profile】
Saki Yamaguchi
Japanese Cooking & Fermentation Expert

• 20+ years of professional experience in the food industry.
• 10+ years of dedicated teaching experience, certified Fermentation Specialist, Food Specialist, and Psychological Counselor.
• Has successfully inspired and taught over 1,000 students through cultural centers, community wellness programs, and media appearances.

Her deep passion for natural nutrition comes from a profoundly personal place—facing severe health challenges within herself and her family.

Through these turning points, she unlocked a core truth: “Food is life.” Today, she is dedicated to sharing how simple, intuitive, and natural food choices can beautifully restore health, mental balance, and vibrant well-being for yourself and the people you care about most.

【🌿 About Active ZEN】
Active ZEN brings traditional Japanese cultural wisdom into modern, fast-paced life. Through tea ceremony, fermentation, and other mindful traditions, we offer practical, actionable tools for calm, clarity, and physical balance—specifically tailored for busy global professionals and high-performers.

【💡Reserve Your Spot】

Seats are limited.
This is a free, group experience.

This is a warm, welcoming event.
Solo participants and first-timers are very welcome.

【👩‍🦰About the Organizer】
Kaori is based in Tokyo, Japan, and is originally from Kanazawa. Founder of Active ZEN and a former international flight crew member with ANA (All Nippon Airways).

She currently runs career development programs in Japan and creates Japanese cultural experiences for people living overseas. Kaori has traveled to over 50 countries and enjoys cultural exchange, language exchange, traveling, and cooking.

【💬Notice】
Photos and videos may be taken during the event and shared on our website or social media at a later date.

If you prefer not to appear in any photos or videos, please inform the organizer in advance.

Please kindly note that cancellations should be made via Meetup at least 2 days before the event.

If the event is canceled or rescheduled by the organizer, a full refund will be issued or a new date will be offered.

A recording of the session will be provided for 7 days as an optional courtesy for participants who are unable to attend.
Refund requests must be submitted via Meetup messaging prior to the event start time.