FIB Unhas – An atmosphere reminiscent of the ‘Land of Cherry Blossoms’ felt palpable at the Mattulada Hall, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Universitas Hasanuddin (Unhas), on Tuesday (16/9). The Japanese Literature Department, in celebration of its 20th Anniversary (Dies Natalis), held a Chanoyu (Japanese tea ceremony) Workshop.
Hundreds of participants experienced the beauty of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. The workshop, themed “Experiencing the Spirit of Japanese Tea Ceremony,” featured two main speakers, Prof. Ishizuka Osamu from the University of Tsukuba and Ohashi Koichi, Head of the Japanese Consular Office in Makassar. Hundreds of students and lecturers watched the event with enthusiasm.
As an opening, the first tea ceremony was performed by Ohashi Koichi; the Dean of FIB Unhas, Prof. Dr. Andi Muhammad Akhmar, M.Hum.; and his wife, Andi Farhani. Subsequently, 18 participants consisting of lecturers and students, dressed in traditional yukata, had the opportunity to practice preparing powdered green tea using special utensils, complete with strict etiquette.
Prof. Ishizuka explained that the tea ceremony is influenced by Zen teachings. However, the movements within it are the result of the insights of Cha no Yu masters. He emphasized the important messages of the ceremony: orderliness, respect for others, and inner tranquility.
“I want tea to be enjoyed throughout the world, because tea culture is not limited by religion or country. Tea can be a symbol of peace,” he expressed.
Ohashi Koichi stated his joy at being part of the event. “Honestly, this is the first time for me to participate in a traditional, authentic Japanese tea ceremony,” he said. He admitted to being happy for the opportunity to learn and take part in the traditional tea ceremony.
The Head of the Department, Fithyani Anwar, Ph.D, conveyed her commitment to continuously presenting positive activities for the academic community, especially those that broaden students’ insights into Japanese language and culture. “My fellow lecturers and I will continue to strive to present positive activities to enhance students’ knowledge. May Japanese Literature always be victorious,” she concluded.
The Dean of FIB Unhas, Prof. Dr. Andi Muhammad Akhmar SS M.Hum, also admitted to being impressed because he could directly experience a tradition that, until now, they had only studied from literature. “All this time, our understanding of the tea ceremony was only theoretical, through reading books. But now, it is truly practiced as a ritual,” he said.
The 20th Anniversary celebration of the Japanese Literature Department successfully captured the participants’ attention. The event not only succeeded in introducing culture but also strengthened the relationship between Unhas and Japan through the Japanese Consular Office.
