More than 100 guests joined the Chado Urasenke Tankokai Los Angeles Association for its annual Hatsudate-shiki (first tea ceremony of the year) and New Year’s luncheon at the Doubletree Hotel in Little Tokyo on Jan. 14.
The Tatezome tea ceremony was served by Somi Uehara, Sokei Kim, and Soyu Kikkawa and narrated by Master Soshin Robinson.
Consul General of Japan in Los Angeles Kenko Sone was invited as the main guest, along with his wife, Mami Sone. Soyu Koizumi, the counselor of the Tanko-kai Orange County Association, was also an honored guest.
Somi Uehara, whose tea cereomny career spans 20 years, was selected last December to serve this year’s Tatezome.
“I felt a great deal of responsibility because I was not sure I was completely ready,” Uehara confessed. “However, my sensei walked me through my lessons and that gave me confidence.
“I was nervous, but relieved to be able to finish well. I think I can do it better next time,” she said with a smile.
Soshin Ann Abe expressed gratitude for the association members and supporters who have contributed valuable time and resources to keep the traditions alive and to promote chado in the greater Los Angeles area.
“Nurturing our younger members and training our new instructors were priorities, and I want to continue to encourage our Seinenbu youth group and new instructors to be active in planning, organizing and executing our events,” she said. “I have seen first-hand how these experiences can be instructional as well as transformative for all of practicing chado.”
Photos by JUN NAGATA / Rafu Shimpo