Michael Hardy Sogetsu
マイケル・ハーディ 宗月
Tea Instructor and Tea Nerd
茶道専任講師・茶道愛好者
Also known as “Mr. Tea.”
Kyoto Guide 京都ガイド
insta
Address:
A short walk from Omuro-Ninnaji Station,
Ukyo ward, Kyoto, JAPAN
つまり
essentially...
Since 2003, Michael has been involved in the study and dissemination of Chado, the way of tea, in Japan and the United States. The study of chado led Michael through a series of “atypical” career choices, leading from working in the automobile industry to managing Asian art and culture-related events at his alma mater, to re-entering college, becoming a “salaryman” for ten years, and ultimately working in Kyoto sharing about its extensive cultural heritage. Michael has been in Kyoto since 2012, where he provides high quality Tea activities, Tours, and private Instruction, with the singular purpose of sharing the profound beauty, life-bettering quality, and universal value of Japanese traditional culture with the world, one small group at a time.
what mike does
employing effective methods to spread the highly refined traditional culture of Japan
Tea instruction
At home, online, in schools... Learn Tea to DO Tea.
Tea introductions
First of all, what is Tea?! Helping students and professionals make the first step.
Kyoto tours
Connect directly with the home of Japan's unique culture.
the details
Experience
Some Details
Highlights
Urasenke Tea Instructor since 2016
Currently instructing at:
Kyoto Sangyo University - since 2022
Urasenke Gakuen Professional College of Chado - since 2024
NHK Culture Center - since 2020
Tsukimitei (private instruction) - since 2018
Introductions to Japanese Tradition and Tea Culture for:
Kyoto University, Ritsumeikan University, Kyoto Women's University, University of Florida, University of Kentucky, Western Washington University, and more
Aoyama Green Academy, Kyoto City Art Center, Kyoto International Community House, and other professional organizations
Seimei High School (Kyoto), Mukaijima Municipal Shuren Elementary and Junior High School (Kyoto), Kinrin Daycare Center (Kyoto), and many other schools
Major Tea Events and Projects:
Osaka Expo 2025 pre-events at Daigo-ji temple (2024) and Hanazono Expo (2023, 2024), Yuhisai Kodokan Chakai (2025), Kyoto City Arts and Culture Foundation Geibunkyo Chakai (2018), JMO 数学オリンピック Tea Presentation (2023), Gallery Issatei Chakai (2023-2025),
Tea Instructor - Certification (chamei) in 2016
Salaryman - International Affairs Department, Urasenke Headquarters, Kyoto, Japan for ten years (2013-2023)
Student - Urasenke Gakuen Professional College of Chado – indepth study of the fundaments of chado in the Midorikai Program (2012-2013)
Project Engineer - Nifco, Inc. & Shinwa, Inc. 2003 - 2009
Student - Kansai Foreign Language Institute – study of Japanese language and culture (1999-2000)
Student - University of Kentucky – B.A., Foreign Language with a focus on International Economics (1998-2003)
Related publications:
"Let's Share! 英語で茶道紹介" in 12 parts - Urasenke Mail Magazine
Concept, Text, Illustrations
Urasenke Tea Procedure Guidebooks 1-3 - Tankosha
Project Leader, Translation, Adaption, Add'l Illustrations
Rikyu's Hundred Verses in Japanese and English - Tankosha
English Content Overseer
Interpretation for Hounsai Genshitsu Sen, PhD. when welcoming international guests – direct knowledge!
Translation and editing of the video messages by Dr. Sen – direct knowledge and learning to adapt it properly into English!
Creation of Urasenke's video contents – so educational!
Management and Instruction for the Urasenke Chado International Seminars - meeting the great Urasenke Chado Instructors of Japan!
Involvement in UIA activities and content creation – inspirational to work with such enthusiastic tea practitioners!
ultimately...
sit down. have some tea.
(you won't regret it)
The value of the Japanese Way of Tea is of value to all, as a means of enjoyment of each day on a new level;
and to many, as a life path to developing a cultivated, refined, better self.
My goal is to provide opportunities to as many people as possible (as-few-at-a-time-as-possible) to know this via direct and authentic experiences.
sometimes i update instagram...
