Satori Sip at Two Japanese Cultural Events in Sofia
This autumn, we had the pleasure of being part of two events celebrating Japanese culture in Sofia. Although very different in size and format, both shared the same idea: tea brings people together.
From an official cultural evening celebrating Japanese-Bulgarian relations to a more intimate tea gathering, we were happy to share our love for Japanese tea and introduce more people to the art of matcha.
Peace in a Cup of Tea – Diplomacy in Action
On October 7, 2026, the Mission Gallery of the State Cultural Institute at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted “Peace in a Cup of Tea – Diplomacy in Action”, part of the official programme of the 37th Days of Japanese Culture in Bulgaria.
Organised in partnership with the Embassy of Japan in Bulgaria and Satori Sip, the evening explored the connection between tea, culture and diplomacy. The programme included a lecture on the idea of peace through tea, followed by a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. The event was free to attend, and all places were booked in advance.
Sharing our matcha with distinguished guests
One of the highlights for us was serving Satori Sip matcha to the evening's official guests, including representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ambassador of Japan to Bulgaria and other distinguished guests.
Dressed in traditional Japanese attire, we had the honour of serving our matcha in a setting that celebrated the very culture it comes from.
Serving Japanese tea to the Ambassador of Japan was a particularly special moment. It was also a little nerve-racking! For a small Bulgarian brand, seeing our matcha become part of such an occasion meant a great deal to us.
Thank you to the State Cultural Institute, the Embassy of Japan and everyone involved for making us part of this special occasion.
A Japanese Tea Ceremony in Sofia
On November 1, we brought a little piece of Japan to the heart of Sofia.
Together with CityZen, a Sofia-based brand specialising in vintage Japanese kimonos and haori, handpicked in Japan, we hosted an intimate morning dedicated to Japanese tea and traditional clothing.
Our special host was Krisi Prahova, a representative of the Urasenke school in Bulgaria, with more than 40 years of experience in the art of tea and training in Kyoto.
She introduced guests to the traditions behind the Japanese tea ceremony and shared the history and symbolism of traditional Japanese clothing.
The morning included traditional Japanese sweets, followed by a tea ceremony featuring our Japanese ceremonial-grade matcha. Guests also had the chance to try on vintage Japanese garments, learn more about their history and take photos dressed in their favourite pieces.
It was a lovely opportunity to slow down, discover something new and experience Japanese culture in a personal and welcoming atmosphere.
A big thank you to Krisi Prahova, the CityZen team and everyone who joined us and shared this morning with us!
More than a cup of tea
For us at Satori Sip, matcha is about more than what's in the bowl. It's about the traditions behind it, the people we meet and the moments we share.
Being part of these two events reminded us why we started Satori Sip: to bring authentic Japanese tea closer to people and create opportunities to discover and enjoy its culture.
Would you like to join us at our next event?
Follow us on Instagram to stay up to date with upcoming gatherings, workshops and special experiences.
In the meantime, discover how to prepare the perfect matcha at home.