The Spirit of Tea Ceremony Connecting People Behind the Scenes of the Expo

A Circle of Hospitality that Fulfills the Wish: “Not Just Where You Can Go, but Where You Want to Go”

Hello everyone,

This is Katsuyo Tanaka from Arica Enterprise.

I hope this message finds you all in good health and spirits.

I am pleased to share that our event at the Osaka-Kansai Expo, held on Sunday, August 24, 2025, was successfully completed.

We welcomed a total of 1,132 visitors—far more than we had anticipated. To all the guests who attended, and to everyone who offered their warm support, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude. I am truly filled with appreciation.

This Expo project was a joint effort by Adnurse・Hankei 5m, where I serve as advisor for hospitality and tea ceremony, and the prosthesis user community NPO High Heel Flamingo. Together, we launched the project “ikitoko＋iko”, carrying the message: “Not just where you can go, but where you want to go — never give up on beauty.”

My own role was to connect people who share the same vision, to convey the spirit of this activity to sponsors, and to help expand the circle of support.

For me, this was also a precious opportunity to share with the world the spirit of the tea ceremony that I have long conveyed to many of you—especially the teaching of Wa-Kei-Sei-Jaku (Harmony, Respect, Purity, Tranquility).

The Spirit of Harmony and Respect:

A Stage Where Diverse Individuals Shine Together

This project was built hand in hand by people with very diverse backgrounds—prosthesis users, wheelchair users, and many others. By respecting each other’s positions and experiences (Kei / Respect), and opening their hearts to work together toward a shared goal (Wa / Harmony), they embodied the very spirit of tea ceremony’s Wa-Kei.

At the heart of the event was the presentation and fashion show of “#Suwari Coord®”, proposed by Chiaki Kato and Kaon Tatsuo.

“#Suwari Coord®” offers a new perspective on fashion—stylish and comfortable designs not only for wheelchair users, but for everyone who spends time sitting.

As widely reported in the press, the vivid quick-change performance by Kato and Tatsuo—from a kimono dress into a traditional kimono—astonished and deeply moved the audience. It was a powerful expression of the belief that no one should ever give up on beauty, and that true elegance comes from the inner light of being human.

The Spirit of Purity and Tranquility:

The Beauty Within “#Suwari Coord®”

In tea ceremony, Sei (Purity) is not only about outward cleanliness but also purity of heart. The goal of “#Suwari Coord®” is not superficial appearance alone, but an inner radiance that shines from staying true to oneself.

At the root of Kato’s activities lies a promise made with her late best friend, who was also a wheelchair user. Overcoming grief, she continues her work to carry on her friend’s legacy. Her unwavering determination reflects the spirit of Jaku (Tranquility)—remaining calm and steadfast in all circumstances—and touched us all deeply.

This project included not only the presentation and fashion show, but also an exhibition. Among them was a demonstration of Bonryaku Temae, a simple form of tea service that anyone can enjoy, helping participants gain a deeper understanding of Japanese culture.

Just as the host of a tea gathering devotes their heart to creating the best possible space for their guests, I too devoted myself behind the scenes to support this wonderful project. Connecting people, uniting hearts, and creating a wave of shared spirit—this is, in essence, the true meaning of hospitality that I seek to realize through my business consulting.

Like preparing a single bowl of tea with care, I will continue to nurture connections with each of you and contribute to a society where everyone can shine in their own way.

Once again, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who supported and made our Expo participation possible.