No prior knowledge is required. The experience is designed to be intuitive and accessible for beginners.
Reading the Secret Transmission of Sugiki Fusai — A Tea Ceremony Lecture on Sōtan’s Four Great Disciples
Sen Sōtan had four outstanding disciples, often referred to as his “Four Heavenly Kings.”
In this lecture, we will focus on one of them, Sugiki Fusai (1628–1706), and explore the handwritten transmission texts he left behind. Through the path of initiation and the teachings they contain, we will uncover how chanoyu was understood and practiced in his time.
Who Was Sugiki Fusai?
Fusai entered the study of tea under Sen Sōtan while continuing his family business. It is said that he traveled regularly from Ise to Kyoto to deepen his practice.
When Sōtan passed away in 1658, Fusai was 31 years old. He had not yet received the full transmission of Shindaisu—the highest and most profound teaching in chanoyu—and thus lost his master while still on the path of training.
Afterward, Fusai studied under Ichiō Sōshu and Kōshin Sōsa, through whom he received and deepened the teachings passed down from Sōtan.
The Path of Transmission
The scrolls concerning the transmission of Shindaisu were passed down from Sen no Rikyū to Sōtan, then to Sōtan’s heir Sōsetsu, and later to his second son Ichiō.
Fusai received these teachings from Ichiō, carefully copied them by hand, and passed them on to his own disciples.
These became the transmission texts known today as
“Sen Sōshu Roe Gosōden Shiu no Oboe,”
“From Sen Sōshu to Sugiki Fusai,”
“Sōshu Kakigaki,”
“Senke Chōgen,”
and “Chayu Ikebana no Koto,” among others.
What These Texts Reveal
Rather than establishing his own school, Fusai devoted himself to preserving and transmitting the spirit of wabicha perfected by Sōtan.
His writings record not only temae (tea procedures), the etiquette of tea gatherings, utensils, tea rooms, and tea flowers, but also Sōtan’s views on Furuta Oribe’s famous “One Hundred Rules of Oribe.”
They offer a rare and comprehensive view of how tea culture was inherited and practiced.
About This Lecture
In this session, we will carefully read these primary source texts together, considering the world of tea in Fusai’s time and the spirit of Sōtan’s wabicha that still lives within them.
The lecture will take the form of an open roundtable discussion. No particular school or lineage is required.
Participants are warmly invited to share their own perspectives and interpretations based on their practice and study, allowing us to explore these texts together through dialogue.
By also touching on the customs and philosophies of different tea schools, we hope to create a rich and multifaceted encounter with the world of these transmission texts.
Choose Your Experience
Two ways to experience sake, craft, and space — each offering a different level of depth and intimacy.
① Group Session (Japanese)
A small-group experience designed for shared discovery. Enjoy sake tasting with fine craft vessels in a relaxed, curated setting.
This program is exclusively for Residents in Japan. Operated in Japanese only.
View Group Session in Japanese
② Private Encounter — Meet the SENSEI（English）
A private, fully tailored experience designed around your interests.Your SENSEI will curate a session specifically for you—
selecting rare sake, including limited or hard-to-access bottles,and preparing a setting with museum-level vessels, including works by Living National Treasure artists.
The experience unfolds at your pace, with deeper insight into sake, craft, and Japanese aesthetics.
No two encounters are the same.
This is not a program, but a composition.
Location / 場所
wanova TOKYO
Ages / ご参加可能年齢
20-
Duration / 所要時間
①Guided Session 90min. / ②Meet the SENSEI 180min.
Max of group / 参加人数（上限）
-
Start time / 開始時刻
-
Languages / 言語
①Guided Session Japanese only / ②Meet the SENSEI English Available
Accessibility / バリアフリー
-
Price / 参加費
①Guided Session ¥4,000JPY per person / ②Meet the SENSEI $1,980USD per group
FAQ
Do I need prior knowledge of sake to join?
What kind of sake will be served?
Three carefully selected sake will be served, chosen to highlight differences in aroma and flavor.
What kind of vessels are used?
For the Guided Session, we use artist-crafted vessels from kilns across Japan.
For Meet the SENSEI, the experience is elevated with museum-level pieces, including works by leading contemporary artists and Living National Treasure artists.
Where is the experience held?
The experience is held in a quiet contemporary Japanese art space in Roppongi. The exact location is shared upon booking.
Is the experience available in English?
The Guided Session is conducted in Japanese.
For Meet the SENSEI, the experience can be offered in English.
In some cases, AI translation may be used to support clarity and ensure accurate communication.
Can I join alone?
Yes, solo participants are welcome.
Can I purchase the vessels?
Some pieces may be available for purchase. Details can be discussed during the session.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellation is possible with prior notice. Full details will be provided upon booking.
©︎ WANOVA / SATOYAMA Marketing Office Ltd.
Roppongi, TOKYO