Keiko san

Keiko-san, could you introduce yourself in a few words?

My name is Keiko, and I’m from Kyushu, Japan. I’ve always been deeply connected to Japanese tea—not just as a drink, but as a moment to refocus, build connections, and soothe the mind. At ThéRâPie, I share this philosophy every day.

What I love: tea, animals, nature, and playing Go.

​

You’ve been part of ThéRâPie since the very beginning. What inspired you to join this adventure?

When I first discovered ThéRâPie, I was a customer. I immediately felt that this was a place where Japanese tea—and Japanese culture—could be shared with sincerity and respect. ThéRâPie isn’t just somewhere to drink tea; it’s a space that honors time, culture, and the emotions tied to this ritual. That vision is what made me want to be part of it from the start.

​

You worked at the Japanese Embassy in Tunisia before coming to Luxembourg. How does that experience influence your work today?

My time at the Japanese Embassy taught me that culture isn’t just explained with words—it’s experienced. Even when languages and customs differ, attentiveness, delicacy, and respect are always felt. At ThéRâPie, I strive to convey the spirit of Japanese hospitality through every cup of tea.

​

You’re from Kyushu, like many of our teas and products at ThéRâPie. What does that mean to you?

Kyushu is a region deeply rooted in tea culture and my personal heritage. Seeing teas and products from Kyushu showcased at ThéRâPie makes me feel like a piece of my homeland has traveled here. It’s a great pride to bridge my origins with my work.

​

What’s your favorite moment at ThéRâPie?

My favorite moment is when a guest arrives feeling rushed or tense and leaves relaxed, with a natural smile. When someone tells me, “I feel at peace here,” I know ThéRâPie is fulfilling its purpose.

​

If you had to describe ThéRâPie in one word?

Nagomi (和み) – a Japanese word for the moment when tension fades and the mind finds peace. It’s a state of gentle ease, where the heart feels warmed and the atmosphere softens. It’s the feeling of being comforted, soothed, and at home.

​

What’s your favorite drink or wagashi?

My favorite tea is Minako (Genmaicha with matcha powder). The roasted flavor blends beautifully with the sweetness of the matcha, and the color is stunning. As for wagashi, I adore Jo-nama-gashi, the seasonal sweets that capture the beauty of the moment.

​

What do you hope guests feel when they visit ThéRâPie?

I hope they feel that ThéRâPie is a place where everything slows down—a moment to breathe, reconnect with themselves, and savor the present. If ThéRâPie can become that space for inner pause, then its mission is complete.

​

One detail guests might not always notice?

With tea, the water temperature and steeping time change between the first, second, and sometimes third infusion. Each time, the tea transforms: the aromas evolve, the texture softens or deepens, and the flavor reveals another facet of the same leaf. It’s a subtle but essential dialogue between water, time, and tea—one that unfolds quietly, often without us even realizing it.