Peace in a Cup of Tea: Diplomacy in Action
On October 7, 8, and 9, 2026, the Mission Gallery—part of the State Institute for Culture to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria—will host a cultural event dedicated to Japanese traditions as a bridge between cultures, titled "Peace in a Cup of Tea: Diplomacy in Action".
The State Institute for Culture to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the Chado Urasenke Tankokai Bulgaria Association and the Ikebana Sogetsu Association, presents this event with the kind support of the Embassy of Japan in Bulgaria and the Asia, Australia and Oceania Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is part of the official program of the 37th Days of Japanese Culture in Bulgaria.
Over the course of three days, the public will have the opportunity to experience the profound wisdom of Japanese culture and traditions, which serve as a natural bridge between nations and a powerful tool of cultural diplomacy.
Event Program:
October 7, 2026, starting at 5:00 PM (admission by invitation)
Official opening - Against a backdrop of paintings featuring the morning glory (a flower linked to the history of the tea ceremony) and ikebana arrangements, Ms. Krisi Prahova, Chairwoman of the Urasenke Tankokai – Bulgaria Association, will deliver a lecture titled "Peace in a Cup of Tea." Through a selection of photographs, guests will be shown moments of hospitality involving the Japanese tea ceremony—extended to high-ranking dignitaries during bilateral state-level visits between our two countries, as well as at international forums, including the UN headquarters. A central theme of the lecture is the work of Sen Sōshitsu XV, the 15th-generation Grand Tea Master (April 19, 1923 – August 14, 2025), who promoted the art of *Cha-dō* (The Way of Tea) beyond Japan’s borders as a centuries-old symbol of peace, mutual respect, and harmony. The lecture will be preceded by a short film screening and accompanied by a demonstration of the Urasenke school’s tea ritual.
October 8, 2026, starting at 5:00 PM (free admission)
The Art of Ikebana – revealing the contemplative spirit of Japanese flower arranging, presented by the Ikebana Sogetsu Association. The display will be accompanied by an exhibition of morning glory paintings and a lecture dedicated to flowers.
October 9, 2026, starting at 5:00 PM (free admission)
Musical highlight and a lecture – iconic excerpts from the opera “Madame Butterfly”, accompanied by a lecture titled "Ladies of the Late Middle Ages and Early Modern Period—the Era of the “Madame Butterfly” Heroine" performed by Plamena Girginova and Girgina Girginova, piano accompaniment - Liliya Zhekova.
The ikebana and art exhibitions will be open for viewing throughout all three days, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
The event promises to be a memorable highlight of the capital's autumn cultural calendar, demonstrating how shared art and traditions can unite communities and inspire international dialogue.