On January 14, 2023 I held my first Hatsugama in Japan since I came back from the United States.  Hatsugama refers to the first tea gathering of the year, typically held in January.  I am very grateful that some fabulous people came to this event.  I had a wonderful time with them.  It was Ichigo Ichie.

一期一会 Ichigo Ichie is a Japanese phrase that means "one time, one meeting."  It can be translated as "one lifetime, one encounter."  It expresses the idea that every meeting is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and should be treated as such.  The phrase encourages people to be fully present and engaged in the moment, and to make the most of the time they have with other.