One evening, a special tea gathering will quietly unfold in the heart of Kabukicho.
Hosting the gathering is Soryo Matsumura, Associate Professor of the Urasenke School of Tea and founder of the tea school SHUHALLY.
Guided by the philosophy of "making tea ceremony more open and enjoyable," Matsumura has brought tea into unexpected contemporary settings — from Bikini Tea Ceremonies and Decotora (decorated truck) Tea Ceremonies to Tea Ceremonies in the Sky. He has presented tea experiences in more than ten countries around the world, and in recent years has explored immersive tea experiences connecting the spirit of Zen with mindfulness. His recent talk at Japan Society in New York sold out immediately.
The venue for this occasion is BOND, a former host club in the center of Kabukicho, currently operating as part of the Shinjuku Kabukicho Shunga Exhibition WA. Within this uniquely Kabukicho atmosphere, a ryūrei-style tea setting will be prepared, where Matsumura will personally make tea for each guest.
An intimate evening limited to only six guests. Hospitality will be offered in both Japanese and English. Before and after the tea gathering, guests are also welcome to enjoy the exhibition Hokusai × Eisen: A Contest of Allure — Kabukicho in Full Bloom at their own pace, from 11:00 until closing at 21:00.
What is Ryūrei?
Ryūrei is a style of tea ceremony performed using chairs and tables rather than traditional seiza seating on tatami mats. Guests unfamiliar with sitting formally on the floor, international visitors, and those attending in everyday clothing can comfortably participate.
Details
Date: Friday, May 22, 2026
Time: 19:00–20:30 (Doors open at 18:50)
Tea Ceremony Venue: BOND
(Second venue of the Shinjuku Kabukicho Shunga Exhibition WA / central sofa seating area)
Kabukicho Social Building 9F, 1-2-15 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0021
First Exhibition Venue: Shinjuku Kabukicho Nogakudo (Noh Theater)
Lions Plaza Shinjuku 2F, 2-9-18 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Exhibition Hours: 11:00–20:30 (Last entry to Nogakudo at 20:30 / BOND closes at 21:00)
Capacity: 6 guests (advance reservation required)
Languages: Japanese and English
Participation Fee
¥6,000 (includes exhibition admission) / ¥4,000 (for guests with an existing exhibition ticket)
Both plans include matcha tea and a special Shunga Exhibition cookie.
【For guests choosing ¥6,000 (Plan ①, includes exhibition admission)】
On the day, please first visit the reception at Shinjuku Kabukicho Nogakudo (the First Exhibition Venue) and let them know you are attending the "Shunga Tea Ceremony." Pay ¥2,000 (exhibition admission) at this reception.
After viewing the exhibition, please arrive at BOND (the Second Venue, central sofa seating area) at 18:50, and pay the remaining ¥4,000 at the tea ceremony reception.
【For guests choosing ¥4,000 (Plan ②, with existing exhibition ticket)】
Please arrive at BOND (the Second Venue, central sofa seating area) at 18:50.
Present your ticket, receipt, or invitation at the reception, and pay ¥4,000.
※ Matsumura's book An Illustrated Guide to the Zen Tea Ceremony (Tuttle Publishing), along with other publications, will also be available for purchase on site.
Booking
PROFILE
Souryou Matsumura
Tea Master | Associate Professor, Urasenke School of Tea Founder, SHUHALLY / Founder, Mucha Kuchā Inc.
Souryou Matsumura is a Japanese tea master and Associate Professor of the Urasenke School of Tea, as well as the founder of SHUHALLY and Mucha Kuchā Inc., a creative company dedicated to producing and managing artists working within the expanded field of chanoyu (the Way of Tea).
During his travels across Europe as a university student, Matsumura realized that despite being Japanese, he knew very little about his own cultural roots. This experience led him to begin studying chanoyu after returning to Japan.
Rooted in the traditions of tea while embracing contemporary creativity, Matsumura has developed a distinctive approach that reinterprets chanoyu for modern audiences. Under the philosophy of “making tea ceremony more open and enjoyable,” he leads tea gatherings, educational programs, and cultural projects both in Japan and internationally.
Through Mucha Kuchā Inc., founded together with members of the artistic collective The TEA-ROOM, he collaborates with artists across disciplines to create projects that transcend conventional boundaries — ranging from tea ceremony productions and live performances to spatial design and immersive cultural experiences.
In recent years, he has also become certified in mindfulness, integrating its principles into tea practice to create experiences that cultivate presence, awareness, and calm.
He has presented tea experiences in more than ten countries and has been invited to host tea ceremonies in distinguished settings, including official residences of government leaders. His work is also known for collaborations with contemporary art, butoh, human beatbox, manga, and other cultural forms.
Matsumura is the creator of the original tea room Bunsaian, named by Zabosai, the 16th Grand Master of Urasenke. The project received the Good Design Award.
He has appeared on NHK as a featured tea expert and has spoken at TEDxTokyo, where he introduced new expressions of tea ceremony through collaborations with contemporary artists and musicians.
Through his ongoing practice, Matsumura continues to explore how the spirit of tea can resonate within contemporary life and across cultures — preserving its essence while expanding its possibilities.
SHUHALLY: https://shuhally.jp/
Mucha Kuchā Inc.: https://mucha-kucha.co.jp/en/
Instagram: @ryotaro_souryou_matsumura
Latest Book
An Illustrated Guide to the Zen Tea Ceremony — Tuttle Publishing
Find Calm and Connection through the Japanese Way of Tea
Modern tea master Soryu Matsumura offers a beautifully illustrated, beginner-friendly introduction to the Japanese tea ceremony, guiding readers step-by-step while revealing how this timeless ritual cultivates mindfulness, calm, and meaningful human connection.
Price: $19.99 USD / $27.95 CAD (Hardcover)
ISBN: 978-4-8053-1996-3
Tuttle Publishing
Amazon Books