Kakuzō Okakura

Kakuzō Okakura (1863–1913) was a Japanese art scholar and critic who promoted traditional Japanese and Chinese culture during Japan’s modernization. He believed Western influence could coexist with Asian traditions and worked to preserve and celebrate Eastern aesthetics and philosophy. His most famous work, "The Book of Tea," highlights the cultural and spiritual importance of tea in Asian life, emphasizing harmony, simplicity, and mindfulness. Okakura's ideas helped bridge Eastern and Western appreciation of art, fostering a deeper understanding of Japan's cultural identity during a period of rapid change.