WACORO|Team Building Program

Program

WA … 和 harmony ／ COCORO … 心 heart
There are no borders when we gather, together with WACORO mindset. Listen to your senses peacefully in harmony.
Awareness program through practical Japanese everyday life experience with a touch of traditional culture.
We introduce　a traditional Japanese local meeting method “Yoriai” (Idea sharing, Problem solving gathering).

What is WACORO?

WA（和) is a concept deeply rooted in Japan. It embodies a sense of harmony, peace, and unity.
COCORO(心) represents “Heart” or “Mind”, and in deeper meaning, it could also be “Spirit” or “Soul”.

WA + COCORO（和の心）
WACORO is a theme that combines “WA” and “COCORO” together for well-being.
In essence, "Wa no Cocoro” is the Japanese spirit or the heart of harmony to maintain peace which is very important in Japanese society.

- Prioritizing group harmony over individual desires.
- Seeking consensus and avoiding direct confrontation.
- Valuing compromise and cooperation.
- To be polite and show respectful behavior.
- Prioritizing group dynamics over individual expression.
- Understanding and responding to the feelings of others.
- Showing respect for others, regardless of social statu.
The above mentioned ways of thinking are some of the examples of “Wa no Cocoro”.

An introduction to Japanese Green tea（Sencha）at home

1

History of Green Tea

The History of Sencha (Green Tea)The history of Japanese sencha is believed to have its foundation in the Edo period. By steaming tea leaves to halt enzymatic activity and rolling them to concentrate their umami, the distinctive "green," "sweetness," and "aroma" of green tea were brought out. This led to the establishment of a custom of drinking sencha, which pairs perfectly with the seasonal cuisine of Japan.

2

Experience Japanese Culture and the Spirit of "Wa" by Learning How to Brew Delicious Japanese Tea at Home

Participants will receive a lecture on how to brew tea and the different types of tea leaves that can be enjoyed in daily life. They will then have the opportunity to brew tea themselves and enjoy it while drinking together. Although the use of teapots at home has become less common in Japan, when people gather and tea is present, the atmosphere naturally becomes more relaxed. The taste of tea changes depending on the brewing temperature, influencing its bitterness and sweetness. Letting the tea steep longer results in a richer flavor, allowing participants to enjoy and experience these variations.

3

Relaxing Time with Self-Brewed Tea, Accompanied by Sweets and Snacks

Sweets are an essential part of Japanese tea time. Not only sweet treats like dorayaki (matcha and red bean-filled pancakes) and yokan (sweet bean jelly), but also savory snacks like rice crackers, tofu, and pickles pair exceptionally well with sencha.

4

Experience the 3 PM Tea Culture

In Japan, particularly in rural areas, there has been a custom of drinking tea at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. During breaks from farm work or other on-site jobs, people would bring tea snacks or pickles, brew tea, and take a rest together. Tea time is perhaps a universal tradition. In Japan, it serves as a valuable opportunity for casual conversation, catching up on each other's lives, and enjoying meaningful moments of communication around a teapot.

What is “ZAZEN” （坐禅）

It is a form of seated meditation that is central to Zen Buddhist practice. It involves sitting in a specific posture, typicallyin a cross-legged position, and focusing the mind on the present moment. The purpose of ZAZEN may vary (attaining enlightenment or calming the mind) but fundamentally, it is to look inward and find peace of mind.

1

Choshin: physical cultivation, bodily discipline

A correct posture is essential for zazen meditation. Poor posture can lead to irregular breathing, fatigue, and discomfort, making it difficult to focus.

2

Chosoku: breath cultivation, breath awareness

Inhale deeply, exhale fully, and engage in deep breathing. Then, gently return to your regular breathing pattern.

3

Choshin: mental cultivation, mind training

“Susokukan”（Count each breath quietly in your mind. When it reaches ten, you can start over from one. It dispels distracting thoughts from your mind.

What is “Yoriai” (寄合)

“Yoriai” is a Japanese word that generally refers to a gathering or meeting of people.

"In traditional Japanese villages, “Yoriai” was a communal gathering where residents would deliberate on issues until everyone was satisfied with the outcome." In modern age, “Yoriai” (寄合) can be a form of team building experience and guidance to idea sharing, and problem solving session.

"Yoriai" emphasizes equality, flexibility, and consensus-building.

Key Characteristics

Equality: All participants are considered equal, regardless of their position or seniority.
Flexibility: The meeting agenda is often flexible, allowing for spontaneous discussions and decision-making.
Consensus: Decisions are made through consensus, with everyone's input valued.
Informal Atmosphere: Yoriaimeetings often have a relaxed and informal atmosphere.

Potential Challenges

Time-consuming: Reaching consensus can take longer than in more structured meetings.
Lack of formal record-keeping: Decisions may not be formally documented.