公開日 2025年11月25日
On November 18(Tue), 2025, the Shimadai Ambassadors hosted a cultural experience event titled “Discover Japan! Traditional Tea Ceremony and Garden” as part of Global Month. Three Shimadai Ambassadors and six international students participated in the event, which visited to Kanden-an, a historic site located near the university.
Kanden-an is a tea house and garden designed and landscaped by Matsudaira Harusato, the 7th lord of the Matsue Domain, also known as Fumai-ko, during the mid-Edo period. It is designated as an Important Cultural Property that continues to convey the spirit of Matsue’s tea culture. Remarkably, the Arisawa family, who served as chief retainers of the Matsue Domain, have preserved the original architecture and garden for over 230 years without alteration.
The group listened attentively to Mr. Arisawa’s detailed explanations as they toured the Ofuroya, Kanden-an, Kogetsutei, and the surrounding garden. They were deeply impressed by Fumai-ko’s meticulous attention to detail and his refined aesthetic sensibility rooted in the tea ceremony. The international students showed great interest, asking questions about the materials used for the roofs of the buildings and how often thatched roofs are replaced, deepening their understanding of traditional Japanese architecture. Afterwards, they enjoyed matcha green tea served with Matsue’s famous confections, experiencing firsthand the graceful etiquette and spirit of hospitality unique to the Fumai-style tea ceremony.
This visit provided international students with a valuable opportunity to deepen their understanding of Japanese culture while fostering meaningful exchange with Japanese students. For the Shimadai Ambassadors, it was also a chance to gain new insights that will enhance their efforts to promote the university’s appeal to the world. The experience proved to be a meaningful step forward in future campus tours and international outreach activities.
