The English Teacher
Copyright© 2026 by DutchMark13
Chapter 24
After class a few evenings later, Kimora lingered behind. That was not unusual, but she seemed much more animated than usual.
“James-sensi, I hope you are not too busy,” Kimora said, her voice intense and filled with excitement. She stepped inside, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. “I have something important to tell you.”
James closed his book, setting it aside as he gestured for her to sit. He was amused that, even after several outings – or were they now dates? – she was still so formal and respectful. He kept his tone curious but polite. “Of course. What is it, Kimora-san?”
Kimora took a seat on the couch, her hands clasped in her lap. “It’s about Reina-san,” she began, her voice lowering slightly. “She has been very impressed by you during our brief meetings. She’d like to get to know you better.”
James’s eyebrows furrowed in surprise. “Really? I mean, I barely spoke to her. She seemed so ... reserved.” He paused, recalling the elegant figure of Reina Gozen, her black hair pulled into a sleek bun, her demeanor both gracious and distant.
Kimora smiled, a hint of mischief in her eyes. “That’s true, but she paid very close attention to you. She thought you were very polite and respectful, and was most impressed that you had studied Japanese and our customs. She would like to invite you to join us for a special tea ceremony in Uji. It’s quite an honor, James. The ceremony is traditional, and it’s not something she offers lightly.”
James leaned forward, his interest piqued. “Uji? That’s quite a distance, in’t it? Why would we need to go there for a tea ceremony?”
Kimora nodded in understanding. “Uji is known for producing Japan’s finest matcha, cultivated under carefully controlled shade, stone-ground to a luminous jade powder. The tea used in the ceremony is rich, velvety, and slightly bitter, which is a mark of its exceptional quality.”
“Oh, I see,” James said dubiously. “Um, how long would it take?”
“It’s a very full day,” Kimora replied. “Reina-san will take care of all the expenses. She’s very generous, and she’s eager to share this experience with you.”
He hesitated, his mind racing. “That’s incredibly kind of her. But why me? I mean, I’m just an English teacher. I don’t know much about tea ceremonies.”
Kimora’s smile softened. “She sees something in you, James. And honestly, I think she wants to get to know you better.”
James chuckled lightly, a flush creeping up his cheeks. He strongly suspected that Reina-san been very protective of her ward since her mother had died, and, since it was probably Kimora who was wanting the trip, she had decided to use it as an opportunity to chaperone and further evaluate him.”So, I’m being vetted?”
Kimora blushed. “Something like that,” she admitted, her tone playful. “But it’s also a chance for you to experience something truly special. Uji is beautiful, and the ceremony is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It is extremely popular.”
James took that to mean Reina-san had gone to great lengths to arrange it. He nodded, his initial hesitation giving way to excitement. “I’d be honored to join you both. It sounds like a wonderful experience.”
Kimora’s eyes lit up. “I’m glad you’re willing. Reina-san will be pleased. She will arrange everything: transportation, accommodations, even traditional attire for you. She’s thought of every detail.”
“Traditional attire?” James repeated with a hint of apprehension. Did she mean a kimono?
“Yes, a kimono,” Kimora said, her voice warm. “It’s part of the experience. Don’t worry, she’ll help you with it. She’s very patient.”
James smiled, feeling a surge of gratitude, although he was still ambivalent about wearing a kimono. “I’m really looking forward to it. Thank you for extending the invitation, Kimora. And thank you for ... thinking of me. In this way.”
“Of course,” Kimora said, her voice full of joy. “I’m happy you will come. And I think this will be good for all of us. It’s a chance for us all to learn about each other and to share something meaningful.”
As Kimora exited the room with a big smile on her face, James couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation. The idea of spending a day with Reina and Kimora, immersed in a tradition as ancient and revered as the tea ceremony, was both thrilling and daunting. He knew little about the rituals involved, but he was eager to learn and to show respect for the culture that had welcomed him so warmly.
On the appointed day Kimora and Reina greeted him at the entrance to the train station. Reina-san bowed slightly, her presence commanding yet warm. “James-san, you look very handsome,” she said, her English slow but clear. “Thank you for joining us.”
James bowed deeply in return, touched that she had obviously practiced the phrases quite a few times. “The honor is all mine,” he returned in more fluid Japanese.
Both of the women wore kimonos that looked very elegant, Reina’s a rich crimson that complemented her dark hair and graceful figure, while Kimora’s was a very light green that accented her delicate complexion.
Yet James couldn’t ignore the unease that gnawed at him. His hands were nervously adjusting the folds of the kimono Reina had provided. It was a deep indigo, adorned with subtle patterns of waves and cranes. Accepting such an invitation from these women who were taking a special interest in him seemed precarious, especially given the obvious potential for misinterpretation. Still, the allure of experiencing a cultural tradition he’d only read about – not to mention the fact that it would be chaperoned – was too tempting to resist.
The train ride was quiet and reserved, especially due to the presence of Reina-san, but also because every complicated idea had to be translated by Kimora. James resolved to concentrate more on learning advanced vocabulary and syntax, which had added layers of gender and social position in Japan than in America.
When they arrived at the tea house in Uji, James was struck by its serene beauty. The weather was quite crisp in the mid-November day, but there was not yet snow on the ground. It was actually quite invigorating.
The ceremony was held in a serene centuries-old chashitsu nestled by the Uji River, The teahouse building was traditional, with sliding paper doors and a thatched roof. Tatami mats, sliding shōji screens, and a simple alcove with a seasonal flower arrangement reflected the wabi-sabi aesthetic: beauty in imperfection and simplicity. The garden surrounding it was meticulously maintained, a tranquil oasis of moss, stone, and carefully pruned trees.
Before they entered the building, an elderly female bowed deeply, welcoming her guests with humility. She bade them ritually wash their hands and mouths before entering the tea room, symbolizing a clean slate, both physically and spiritually.