The dokodemocha project was born from the learnings and beauty of the tea ceremony, in 2019. Doko (where) demo (any) cha (tea) - Tea anywhere.

Dokodemocha endeavors to view the tea ceremony through a unique perspective, untangling its teachings and introducing art proposals that inspire contemplation beyond social conventional norms, delving into the spiritual dimensions of tea.

Its goal extends beyond comprehending the profound meaning of cha no yu; it also emphasizes tea's transformative influence in fostering connections among people and mirrors the interconnected realms of mind, body, and soul. In the midst of our modern, busy lives, Dokodemocha advocates for utilizing the practice of the tea ceremony as a holistic approach to personal well-being, intertwining culture, mental health, and art.

Immerse yourself in the artistic essence, explore cultural subtleties, and embrace the robust sense of community enveloping this timeless practice, which serves as a bridge connecting past, present, and future.

The project is expanding, encompassing live Nodate (outdoor tea ceremonies), hosting tea ceremonies in public tea rooms, collaborating with different entities to host tea ceremonies, and partnering with other well-being practices and artists. Additionally, in 2023, the Kuroan Tea Room was created.

about dokodemocha.

about kuroan.

A long-time dream, inspired by the teachings of Sen No Rikyu and grounded in wabi-cha philosophy, Kuroan tea space has been created as a manifestation of the concept of 'a journey back to the universe.

During my initial visit to Koyasan, while exploring the Oku-no-In cemetery, my attention was captured by several grave shapes. Engaging with the local monks, I learned that these five-shaped rock figures, called 'Gorinto,' symbolize the five elements: fire, air, water, earth, and space. In local Shingon Buddhism, it is believed that upon death, one's body and soul return to the origin of everything—the universe—achieving oneness.

The Gorinto serves as a guide through this journey, and with this profound concept in mind, Kuroan was born.

Kuroan is a tea room designed for you to nourish your body, mind, and soul. It's a place to let go, allowing your mind to unwind and embracing the opportunity to release your old self after a long day, month, or year. It is a sanctuary where you can return to the universe, feeling connected with the cosmos—a space for solitude and self-reflection. Here, you can heal, restore, and, when you are ready, be rebirth back into the material world.

Residing in Tokyo, Japan since 2013, Sogyô (Alba Ameller) brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the art of the Japanese Tea Ceremony. Originally from Barcelona, Spain, her journey into the Japanese tea ceremony started over a decade ago, expanding her studies into modern styles like Table Sadô, and cultural comparisons with various Asian tea ceremonies such as modern Taiwanese-style tea ceremony and gong fu tea.

Having arrived in Japan after completing her university studies, Sogyô spent a decade working in corporate Japan, specializing in experience design and event production for industries like travel, fashion, and banking. Simultaneously, she immersed herself in the art of tea, providing her moments of personal reflection and inner peace. This dual journey ultimately led her to earn a teaching license from the honorable Omotesenke Iemoto. Additionally, she successfully completed her MBA in Tokyo, balancing between work and study.

Beyond the practice, Sogyô's exploration encompasses a 360-degree understanding of the entire ambience of the tea ceremony. This includes Japanese tea studies, tea utensil crafting, incense, flower arrangement, and the intertwined realms of art and spirituality within its practice.

During a morning class conversation with her sensei, her teacher expressed her happiness for her passion on tea ceremony, as local generations were losing interest in it. After doing a bit of research, she identified that the tea ceremony was perceived locally as a strict environment. Given the numerous options for other beautiful activities available in this new international world, local people began to shift and lose interest in this practice.

Sogyô made it her mission to revitalize the art of the Japanese tea ceremony for personal joy and well-being. She has created small initiatives that collectively hope to contribute to the revitalization of this art. Join her on a transformative journey that transcends cultural boundaries, inviting you to explore the nuanced beauty embedded in the art of the Japanese tea ceremony.

Beyond the practices and rituals, Sogyô's exploration encompasses a 360-degree understanding of the complete ambiance of the tea ceremony, spanning Japanese tea studies, tea utensil crafting, and the intertwining realms of art and spirituality within its practice.

During a morning class conversation with her sensei, Sogyô expressed her passion for the tea ceremony, as local generations were losing interest in it. Following her investigation, she identified that the tea ceremony was perceived locally as a strict environment. Given the numerous options for other beautiful activities available in this new international world, local people began to shift and lose interest.

Sogyô made it her mission to revitalize the art of the Japanese tea ceremony for personal joy and well-being. She has created small initiatives that collectively contribute to the revitalization of this art.

As your host, a certified tea ceremony instructor holding a teaching license from the esteemed Omotesenke Iemoto, Sogyô is not only dedicated to preserving traditions but is also committed to revitalizing the Japanese tea ceremony for personal joy and well-being. Join her on a transformative journey that transcends cultural boundaries, inviting you to explore the nuanced beauty embedded in the art of the Japanese tea ceremony.

about your host.

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