[Matcha & Chill] Thai-Japanese cross-culture event!!

On June 25, 2026, the cross-cultural tea ceremony event "Matcha & Chill" was held at TPA29 by interns from the Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Networks and the TPA Publishing Department.

As part of a five-month internship program at TPA, students from Kwansei Gakuin University had been actively engaged in various activities since April. This event was planned and organized as a related program preceding the TPA Book Fair, which took place at TPA29 from July 1-7.

The event offered participants an authentic Japanese tea ceremony experience while creating opportunities for Japanese-Thai cultural exchange through traditional confectionery culture. To reflect the event's cross-cultural theme, traditional Thai sweets were served instead of Japanese wagashi, allowing participants to explore cultural connections through food.

In addition to demonstrating the tea ceremony itself, the event introduced the detailed etiquette and movements involved in the practice, as well as the meanings and values behind each gesture. The interns conducted the program in Japanese, while the TPA Publishing Department served as moderators and provided consecutive interpretation in Thai. This bilingual format enabled smooth communication among participants and created a warm and welcoming atmosphere throughout the event.

In recent years, interest in Japanese matcha culture has grown significantly in Thailand, and tea ceremony experiences have become increasingly popular. The event received highly positive feedback from participants. Beyond learning the procedures of the tea ceremony, attendees gained a deeper understanding of the spirit behind its etiquette and shared appreciation for the common value of consideration and respect for others, which is deeply rooted in both Japanese and Thai cultures.

TPA will continue to promote mutual understanding and strengthen networks between Japan and Thailand, contributing to the further development of both countries.