NVOT Japanese language students recently took part in the Japanese National Honor Society (JNHS) induction ceremony and participated in an authentic Japanese tea ceremony – all without leaving the country.

On April 8, six students were inducted into the JNHS. Last year, a total of 1,860 students nationally received this honor. To qualify, students must complete the first term of a second-year Japanese language course, maintain a 3.5 GPA in Japanese classes, and have an overall GPA of 3.0. 

The event featured a special guest, Ms. Keiko Kitazawa, a professional Omotesenke tea instructor. She led the tea ceremony and helped bring this traditional cultural practice to life for students, staff, and guests.

In addition to the ceremony, Ms. Kitazawa also worked with students in Japanese 3 Honors and AP Japanese classes. She taught them about the meaning behind the tea ceremony and proper etiquette, such as how to sit, bow, and appreciate the tea. Students also learned about important elements like tea bowls, flower arrangements, and calligraphy scrolls.

Ms. Kitazawa explained the four main principles of the tea ceremony — harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility — and how the tradition has remained mostly the same since the 1700s. 

The event brought together NVOT administrators, teachers, community members, and students. Overall, it gave students a chance to experience Japanese culture hands-on and helped spread appreciation for these traditions throughout the school.