Job Title: Japanese Tea Ceremony Educator / Cultural Demonstrator

Job Overview

We are looking for a knowledgeable and engaging individual to introduce to multinational audiences the history, philosophy, and practices of the traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony (chanoyu).

The successful candidate will lead presentations and interactive experiences that deepen understanding of Japanese culture and convey the core values of harmony, respect, purity, and tranquillity that form the fundamental tenets of the Japanese tea ceremony.

Tea Ceremony Ju-an at Jotokuji Temple offers one of the most authentic and immersive cultural experiences one can have in Kyoto. Far beyond simply drinking tea, this beautifully orchestrated ceremony provides a deep introduction to the philosophy, aesthetics, discipline, and quiet spirituality woven into the Japanese tea ceremony tradition for the last five centuries. We call this experience: "The Symphony of Tranquillity".

Key Responsibilities

• Explain the history and cultural significance of the Japanese tea ceremony.
• Guide participants through the steps of a tea ceremony experience.
• Answer questions and adapt explanations for different age groups and cultural backgrounds.
• Manage, curate and ensure the quality of tea ceremony equipment and cultural materials.
• Create educational content, or handouts, when required.
• Ensure demonstrations are accurate, respectful, and culturally authentic.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Knowledge of Japanese tea ceremony traditions and practices.
• Detailed training will be provided before and after appointment.
• Excellent public speaking and communication skills.
• Ability to engage audiences in an educational and interactive manner.
• Understanding of Japanese culture and history.
• Experience in teaching, guiding tours, cultural interpretation, or public demonstrations is desirable.

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduates in languages or humanities subjects.
• Experience working in museums, cultural centres, schools, or community events.

Key Attributes

• Professional and approachable manner.
• Attention to detail and respect for tradition.
• Passion for cultural education and cross-cultural understanding.
• Providing English commentary and live interpretation.

Working language

• English and a little survival basic Japanese language, or the passion to learn basic Japanese because occasionally there is a need to communicate in Japanese.

Job Title and Role Context

• The job title is “Narrative Master” and is carried in conjunction and in support of our professional Tea Master who performs the artistic presentation of our Japanese Tea Ceremony in the context of Ichigo Ichie, once in a lifetime encounter.
• This “Narrative Master” is designed as a hybrid role. In this setup, candidates would perform "Narrative" duties during ceremonies for three days a week and to handle tasks such as website marketing, English inquiries, duty rota schedule and social media management during their remaining two days in "smart" work mode.
• Weekends are free.

Training

• Specific training will be provided both before moving to Japan for the theoretical elements of the narrative and in Kyoto upon arrival in Japan for the practicality aspects of the ceremony. If the candidate is already resident in Kyoto suitable training will be arranged.
• The candidate will be tested on the theoretical elements of the Japanese tea ceremony, before coming to Japan, through a written thesis submission and a face-to-face oral interview via FaceTime or Microsoft Teams.
• At the candidate’s discretion attendance to a once-a-week private tuition for tea masters can be considered after the candidate has acquired a basic knowledge of the Japanese language and is able to make basic conversation.

Housing

• If necessary, our company can subsidise housing by providing a one-person fully furnished apartment in central Kyoto, 4 minutes’ walk from Kyoto central station.
• Provided the Narrative Master has an international driving license part time use of a pool company car can be made available for local driving or specific company assignments.

Application

• Candidates are invited to apply by writing to contactus@teaceremonyjuan.com and attach a C.V. (Curriculum Vitae) complete of email address and a telephone number.

Visa and Remuneration

• The successful candidate will require a Visa to come to Japan, and this aspect will be dealt with by our company specialist lawyer.
• The level of remuneration and overall package will be discussed once all formalities have been completed but in summary it will be enough for the candidate to live in Japan comfortably without recourse to own funds.
• We are renown for being a generous employer.
• The assignment is for one year and renewable subject to performance.