Abstract

This book is a collection of dialogues between the head of the Enshu school of tea ceremony, founded by Kobori Enshu, a daimyo and tea master of the early Edo period, and leading figures from various fields, discussing the future way of life for Japanese people. The eight participants in this book are Yuko Tanaka, a researcher of Edo literature and culture; Seiko Ito, a creator; Yoshimasa Kanze, a Noh actor; Erika Yoshida, a screenwriter; Robert Campbell, a researcher of Japanese literature; Toru Ike, a member of the Japanese wheelchair rugby team; Tetsuo Otani, the deputy chief priest of Yakushiji Temple; and Hideki Takahashi, an actor. In these turbulent times, what should we aim for, and how should we live? This book offers many insights for Japanese people living today.

Author’s Information

Born in 1956, he graduated from the Faculty of Law at Gakushuin University and then trained in Zen under Zen Master Fukutomi Isei at Keitoku Zen-in, a temple of the Rinzai sect's Daitoku-ji branch. In 2000, he received the names "Fuden-an" and "Sojitsu" from Abbot Fukutomi Settei of Daitoku-ji Temple, and in 2001, he succeeded as the 13th head of the Enshu school of tea ceremony. With the motto "Enriching the heart through the tea ceremony," he strives to spread traditional culture and energetically conducts cultural exchange activities both domestically and internationally. He particularly focuses on nurturing young people and runs the "Enshu-ryu Tea Ceremony Children's School." He received the "Minister of Foreign Affairs Commendation" in 2019 and the "Commissioner for Cultural Affairs Commendation" in 2020. His published works include "The Mysteries of the Tea Ceremony" (NHK Shinsho) and "The Tea Ceremony and the Japanese People" (Gentosha).