「寺子屋NINJA」がルーマニアのテレビ番組『Hai-Hui… cu Marina』で特集されました — YouTubeでもご覧いただけます！
Hello everyone, I am Tae Iwasawa from Terakoya NINJA.
Recently, on the voyage of Silversea Cruises’ ultra-luxury ship “Silver Moon” from Hakodate to Tokyo, I had the honor of serving as a Japanese Cultural Ambassador.
Aboard the ship, we hosted workshops for guests from all over the world to experience authentic Japanese culture, including Ikebana, Tea Ceremony, Wagashi (Japanese sweets), Calligraphy, Origami, and Kimono Dressing. Today, I would like to share a bit about our wonderful 5-day journey at sea and some deeply moving encounters.
Miyako, Iwate, Japan
Enthusiastic Workshops
On the first day, guests arrived at the venue looking a little nervous. However, as they touched the tools for Wagashi, Ikebana, and the Tea Ceremony we had prepared, their faces quickly lit up with joy.
“I was so looking forward to today’s session!”
Day by day, with such encouraging words, more and more repeat guests returned to join us. By the second half of the cruise, turnout far exceeded our capacity of 20 participants per session, resulting in a full house with standing room only. Seeing everyone focus intently on whisking Matcha or beaming with bright smiles upon completing their Ikebana arrangements gave us immense joy and fulfillment.
Wagashi Making
Daily Program
Heartwarming Exchange Connected by Kimono and “Obi Embroidery”
What left a particularly deep impression during this program was our interaction with guests through the Kimono.
Throughout the voyage, I welcomed guests wearing a Kimono, and many noticed its fine tailoring and elegant aesthetic. Above all, what captured their interest most was the intricate embroidery on the Obi (sash).
The delicate texture of the threads catching the light and the three-dimensional beauty crafted by artisans’ hands—guests stepped up close to inspect the Obi, exclaiming in admiration, “What magnificent embroidery!” and “How can it be woven with such fine detail?” Touching the hearts of guests beyond language and cultural barriers through the beauty of Japanese craftsmanship was a truly unforgettable moment.
Every day, numerous guests approached me asking, “May I take a photo with you?” leading to countlessly cherished photos together. Their joyful smiles are a treasure I will hold forever.
Ikebana - Traditional Japanese art of flower arrangement
Paper crane
A Heartfelt Compliment Brought from Afar
And then, one day...
A young man hurried over to me from across the spacious lounge on the ship.
Standing before me, looking a bit shy yet with very earnest eyes, he said, “Your Kimono looks truly wonderful.”
I was deeply moved by his kindness and the fact that he made his way through the crowd from so far away just to tell me those few words.
Knowing that the beauty of traditional Japanese attire and embroidery can move someone’s heart across borders gave me immense confidence and inspiration in my role as a Cultural Ambassador.
The view from the ship
Closing
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to everyone at International Event Bookings Ltd., the incredible team at Silversea Cruises, and above all, all the guests who genuinely embraced and enjoyed Japanese culture.
The wonderful connections formed at sea and the heartfelt exchanges beyond words will stay with us forever. Terakoya NINJA will continue to serve as a bridge connecting Japan and the world by creating meaningful cultural experiences on international stages.
We look forward to meeting you all on the ocean again!
CEO Tae Iwasawa
Terakoya NINJA / Pineapple Co., Ltd.
Note: The nerikiri sweets and ikebana arrangement featured in the photos were created by our guests.