Karin Tenku Tea Party ~Seifu Keiga Tea Party~ DAY 31 (August 7th, DAY 177) Oki-san's thoughts imbued in a single lotus leaf
This time's 'Hekito-in' (lotus leaf tea) could not have been realized by me alone.
Behind it lies a connection with a single lotus farmer.
That is Oki-san, who runs 'OKI25 Lupin Farm' in Aisai City, Aichi Prefecture.
Oki-san became a farmer 15 years ago and switched to pesticide-free cultivation eight years ago.
The reason for this is very simple.
'I want to practice agriculture that is kind to nature, kind to living things, and kind to people.'
With that thought in his heart, he carefully grows lotus and water bamboo.
Furthermore,
'I want to leave behind an environment where future children can live with peace of mind.'
He stands in the fields every day with that wish.
When I first heard those words, I was deeply moved.
Agriculture is not just about growing crops.
It is also about nurturing the future.
For this tea party as well, he went into the lotus fields early in the morning and carefully selected and delivered each leaf one by one.
The moment I saw that lotus, I thought, 'It is beautiful.'
It was not just about the shape.
It was because I could feel the time and affection that Oki-san had poured into the lotus.
That is why I did not want to use this lotus once and be done with it.
Even after the Hekito-in is over, I want to make the most of it until the very end.
With that thought in mind, I decided to divide one lotus leaf into four parts and have everyone take them home.
Please dry them in the shade at home and try brewing them with the jasmine tea you take home.
The scent of the lotus will gently transfer, and I am sure it will remind you of the tea party on August 8th.
I do not believe that a tea party ends on that day alone.
Brewing tea once more at home.
The tea party includes that time as well.
Oki-san's affection.
Nature's bounty.
The hospitality of all the tea masters.
And the connection with everyone who participates.
All of that comes together to make a single cup of tea.
I am truly grateful to have been blessed with such a wonderful connection on the milestone of Tokusenkaku's 15th anniversary.
I look forward to seeing you all on August 8th.
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