You can translate TOKONOMAWAY as the Way of Tokonoma
In Japanese culture the Tokonoma is literally the Place of Beauty
The decorative alcove, called Tokonoma in Japanese, is considered one of the four essential elements in the main hall of a noble residence. The word Tokonoma can be the alcove itself, or the room containing the alcove
There are some guidelines to a Tokonoma
There is generally a place to hang a picture or calligraphic poem
There’s usually a small shelf for a flower arrangement, perhaps a vase
You’ll probably also find an incense holder
A traditional Japanese family would have a variety of object and scrolls that they would display in the Tokonoma depending on the season or nearest holiday
Upon entry to a traditional Japanese tea house, for example, you’ll typically spend a few moments in front of your host’s Tokonoma kneeling and observing
If you’re polite, you’ll talk about the objects on display
Zen, responsible for both the Tokonoma and the tea ceremony, asks us to pay attention to the smaller details in life, finding beauty in simplicity
Special guest sit closest to the Tokonoma, hence closest to Beauty
