Access to Experts
Access to Experts is designed as a tool to help those organising Japan-related events. Experts are professionals who charge a fee to lead workshops and can tailor their workshop or presentation to different audiences. They may be able to visit schools and deal with larger numbers of students per day than JIYC volunteers and can be engaged to spend successive days at your school.
Please note that inclusion on this list does not imply recommendation by The Japan Society.
Tea Ceremony & Food Experts
SETO-OKERBLOM, Rei
Japanese Tea Ceremony, Ikebana
Type of activity: Ikebana Workshop & classes, Tea Ceremony demonstration & experiencing workshop
Available to travel: Based in Little Venice, London. Happy to travel within London and potentially to other areas, depending on the time and location. Please get in touch to discuss further.
Age range: 5+(Children under 8 must be accompanied by a parent or carer
Number of participants: Tea Ceremony: 4-8, Ikebana: any in Little Venice Studio, pls contact for event or other occasions
email: rei@sahana-london.com
website: https://www.sahana-london.com/
Rei is a London-based Ikebana artist, instructor, and tea ceremony practitioner. Introduced to both arts in early childhood by her Japanese mother—a Sogetsu Ikebana teacher and a Urasenke tea ceremony master—Rei’s appreciation deepened over time. After a career in investment banking, she returned to her roots, earning her Sogetsu Ikebana teaching diploma in just two years. She now offers Ikebana workshops and lessons through SAHANA LONDON, and shares the spirit of tea through the Urasenke tradition. With a deep respect for Japanese aesthetics, Rei brings elegance and mindfulness to contemporary settings through floral and tea ceremony experiences.
DAVIES Tomono
Authentic Sushi Making
Type of activity: Events, Demonstrations, Workshops
Available to travel: London and South East
Age range: 8+
Number of participants: any
email: tomonosushiparty@gmail.com
website: https://www.tomono-sushi.co.uk/
Tomono Davies grew up in Kochi, Japan, surrounded by the traditions of fresh, home-cooked meals. After moving to the UK 26 years ago, she discovered a deep passion for sharing authentic Japanese cuisine, particularly sushi-making. With limited access to traditional ingredients, she developed a unique approach—combining Japanese techniques with British produce to make sushi more accessible. Through Tomono Sushi Party, she teaches hands-on workshops across the UK, inspiring people to embrace sushi-making with confidence and creativity, all while promoting Shokuiku, Japan’s philosophy of food education.
Urasenke Foundation
Chado – The Way of Tea (Tea Ceremony)
Type of activity: demonstration
Available to travel: anywhere
Age range: 14+
Number of participants: any
email: ukchado@gmail.com
tel: 0208 853 2595
website: www.urasenke.co.uk
KIMURA Chizuko
Tea Ceremony (Urasenke School), Kimono Maker
Type of activity: performance, demonstration
Available to travel: anywhere
Age range: 14+
Number of participants: any
email: chizuko.kimura@hotmail.com
website: www.chizukokimura.com
Sakura Junction
Wagashi (Japanese Sweets)
Type of activity: workshop
Available to travel: London
Age range: tbc
Number of participants: tbc
website: www.sakurajunction.com
WENDES, Daniel
Sushi Making
Type of activity: workshop, catering for functions
Available to travel: anywhere (Based in Hampshire)
Age range: 8+
Number of participants: 10-50
email: dwendes@hotmail.com
tel: 07472 413164
TAKAHASHI Sumie
Tea Ceremony, Ikebana
Type of activity: lecture, demonstration, workshop
Available to travel: anywhere
Age range: any
Number of participants: any
To contact Sumie Takahashi, details can be found via the Urasenke Foundation website.
UCHIDA Keiko
Tea Ceremony
Type of activity: lecture, demonstration, workshop
Available to travel: Based in West London - please contact for other locations
Age range: 8+
Number of participants: any
email: info@keikouchida.com
tel: 07977 916 010
website: www.keikouchida.com
Keiko was born in Tokyo, Japan, and has lived in London since 2002. She has been practicing the Japanese tea ceremony for over 25 years. Her mother is a Kimono specialist and her late father developed traditional tea rooms for his clients. She started practicing the tea ceremony as a way of understanding traditional Japanese culture. Since then, studying and practicing the tea ceremony has become a major part of her life’s work, and her mission is to introduce the art of tea to global audiences.
Ganbare Japan
Tea Ceremony, Food, Origami, Calligraphy, Soroban, Samurai and Geisha
Type of activity: lecture, demonstration, workshop leader, project leader
Available to travel: anywhere within 1.5 hour journey from Nottingham including East Midlands, West Midlands and South Yorkshire.
Age range: Any
Number of participants: Any
email: kiyoko.naish@virgin.net
website: http://ganbarejapanuk.blogspot.com/
facebook: www.facebook.com/GanbareJapanUK
Ganbare Japan are a Nottingham based charity who promote Japanese language and culture. At the same time, helping UK schools link up with primary, junior and high schools in Tohoku area, North East Japan to exchange letters and messages between children. Ganbare Japan also organise a teamwork building workshop with activities such as Japanese taiko drumming, sushi making and calligraphy activities.