[Sold Out] Experience "Craftfulness," a New Concept for Opening the Five Senses in the AI Era. Cross Media Group Publishers and Author SHOWKO Host the Second Workshop in a Series: "Kikicha and Verbalizing Sensitivity"!

Cross Media Publishing Inc. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Koichiro Kobaikawa), a publisher of business and practical books, held the second session of its special program "Craft x Mindfulness Program to Open Sensitivity" on Sunday, June 28, 2026. The event featured SHOWKO, author of the bestsellers "Things Sensitive People Do" and "Craftfulness," and Komei Sunagawa, a master tea master and representative of Tokyo Matcha Academy, as guest lecturers. The workshop took place at the ZEROGYM studio (Sendagaya Office, Shibuya-ku), operated by the company.

Fourteen business professionals and creators, the maximum capacity, participated in the event. Through a talk session, a "Kikicha" (tea tasting) experience, and a workshop to translate perceived flavors into unique words, participants practiced "Craftfulness" – a concept designed to awaken the five senses, dulled by daily multitasking, and enhance the resolution of their sensitivity.

Event Highlights

[Part 1: Sensitivity Talk] The Stillness of Tea and the Ruler of Sensitivity

The talk session focused on the idea that making deliberately irrational choices, rather than solely pursuing efficiency and rationality, can open unexpected doors. SHOWKO explained the mindfulness effect derived from "the moment of moving your hands and concentrating," as described in her book "Craftfulness," allowing participants to grasp the concept.

Guest lecturer Komei Sunagawa, an acclaimed tea master active both domestically and internationally, has analyzed the composition of over 400 types of matcha. He shared insights into the senses of smell and taste, often overlooked in daily life, emphasizing that intentional observation can remarkably refine human sensitivity.

[Part 2: Kikicha Workshop] Sharpening the Five Senses and Translating Sensations into Words

The second part featured a practical workshop focused on engaging with the flavors of tea.

In the subsequent workshop, participants were challenged to verbalize the flavors they perceived not with general terms like "bitter" or "sweet," but by connecting them to their own memories and emotions, such as "the smell of earth after a early summer rain" or "a refreshing greenness that makes your back straighten."

[Part 3: Reflection & Exchange] Touching Others' Perspectives to Further Expand Sensitivity

In the final session, participants shared their favorite tea of the day and the words they used to describe it. Many expressed surprise and admiration that even when drinking the same tea, the words and stories shared by each individual were completely different.

It was a warm and stimulating exchange, where encountering the diverse "rulers of sensitivity" of others seemed to further expand their own.

Participant Feedback

It was very interesting to experience how the taste of matcha can vary so much depending on how it's prepared and ground, even with the same variety. It was a truly craftful experience, feeling the passion of the matcha farmers while also confronting myself. Thank you.

I realized that when verbalizing something, it's easier to express it by connecting it to things in one's own life.

I learned that even with the same variety, the taste and aroma are completely different due to the land, environment, and the person who made the matcha. It's important to bring what's subconscious to the conscious level. I want to make a habit of verbalizing abstract concepts.

Event Overview

Date & Time: Sunday, June 28, 2026, 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Venue: Cross Media Publishing 8F (Toei Jingugaien Building, 4-20-3 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)

Speakers: SHOWKO, Komei Sunagawa

About the Next Event

The third session of the "Craftfulness" program series will feature Mr. Satofumi Momose from "Hikinmono-jo 639," who is preserving the traditional woodturning techniques of静岡 (Shizuoka).

He will discuss facing wood, a material holding the memory of life, concentrating on the sound of carving, and determining the "finish" through touch.

[Event Overview] https://craftfulness.peatix.com/

Speaker Profiles

SHOWKO Ceramic artist. Artist. Born into a family where Japanese culture, including the tea ceremony, was part of daily life, in the 340-year-old Kiyomizu-yaki tea utensil kiln "Makuzu-yaki" in Kyoto. After training in ceramics in Saga Prefecture, she returned to Kyoto and started her own studio. In 2009, she incorporated the company and launched the ceramic brand "SIONE" with the concept of "reading vessels." She opened a directly managed store in a renovated inn near Ginkaku-ji Temple and has expanded her activities globally, including in Milan, Paris, China, and Taiwan. She also handles new business development, branding, and consulting for other companies, including the long-established Kyoto company "Fukujuen." Currently, she is opening "Utahi," an inn that opens up sensitivity using the philosophy of crafts. She is also focusing on activities to make the lives of people living "in the moment" comfortable and happy. Ordained in the Rinzai school of Buddhism, Myoshin-ji branch. Her books include "Things Sensitive People Do" (Cross Media Publishing), "Speaking in My Own Words" (CCC Media House), and "Letting a Pleasant Breeze Through My Heart" (Daiwa Shobo).

Komei Sunagawa - I shave anything round -

Using wood lathes and turning machines, I create anything round, such as wooden plates and furniture legs. With the motto "Creating happiness and inspiration together through woodturning," I am constantly challenging myself to look beyond tradition by combining with unprecedented industries and integrating with different materials.

Satofumi Momose, Woodturner

Born in 1983 After graduating from Shizuoka Design College, Apprenticed under Shizuoka City Traditional Craftsman Masao Kishimoto and Maki Kishimoto. 2011 Established Hikinmono-jo 639 2013 Opened moyocami gallery 2016 LEXUS NEW TAKUMI PROJECT Shizuoka Representative 2019 Exhibited at FuoriSalone (Italy) 2019 Exhibited at LEXUS CREATORS Connection, Gakuden Hall, Heian Jingu Shrine, Kyoto 2023 Awarded Japan WABUNKA Grand Prix Excellent Award 2024 Awarded iF DESIGN AWARD 2024 2024 Awarded SKY DESIGN AWARDS Silver

About Cross Media Publishing Inc.

With a vision to "contribute to the growth of people and companies through all media and provide new value to society," the company disseminates content useful for modern leaders and business professionals in areas such as business, health, and self-improvement. Beyond publishing, they provide multifaceted support for corporate branding and content creation.

Company Name: Cross Media Group Inc. https://cm-group.jp/

[Contact Information] Cross Media Group Inc. Public Relations Office Contact: Hamanaka Email: [email protected]