It’s not every day in Australia that you are able to witness and be part of a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

 Yesterday Izumisano City Group from Japan proudly presented a beautiful tea ceremony to residents and guests of the Hibiscus Retirement Village in Noosa.

With over 60 guests in the audience Izumisano students sang two songs, one of them being an Australian favourite that everyone knew well, Waltzing Matilda.  Members of the audience smiled and joined in singing out loud with the students. 

After singing they presented a traditional Japanese tea ceremony and served each member of the audience some traditional Japanese desert and green tea.

Students explained to the guests the techniques and methods involved in the tea ceremony and asked for a volunteer to join the display on the floor and drink some tea.  The tea is very good for you and is enjoyed daily by most Japanese.

After the ceremony students presented each person in the audience with a special origami dragon.  A special dragon was given to the organisers Judy and Denise as a sign of appreciation to all the residents of the retirement village.  This particular dragon will bring good health and long life to all.  It will be hung in the function room for everyone to see daily.

Thank you Izumisano City Group students and teachers, you have made a memorable day for the residents of the Hibiscus Retirement Village.  Thank you to Denise and Judy for making the event possible.