Rikyuki, March 2026

Chado Urasenke Tankokai San Francisco Association Rikyuki Tea Ceremony

On Sunday, March 8, 2026, the Chado Urasenke Tankokai San Francisco Association held its annual Rikyuki at Kanso-an tearoom of the Hokka Nichibei Kai (Japanese American Association of Northern California). This tea ceremony was hosted by Takechi and Tiscornia Shachu to honor the legacy of SEN Rikyu (1522-1591), founder of the Japanese way of tea.

Fifty-seven members and guests — including the association’s vice president Allen Okamoto and his wife — attended. Before the ceremony began, a moment of silence was observed in memory of Meiyoshihan KOBARA Soko, who passed away on January 28, 2026.

The tea ceremony began with an introduction of the event by Sokyo Tiscornia, followed by flower offerings by UEDA Sobin, Soko Liu Hase, and TSUJI Tomomi.

Sofu Pantsios served as teishu (host), Sokyo Tiscornia served as hanto (assistant), and UEDA Sobin was the first guest during the first seating.

MURAKAMI Sogetsu served as teishu, TAKECHI Soko served as hanto, and HAGIWARA Sojin, the Chief of Administration of the Association, was the first guest during the second seating.

Sokou Yao served as teishu, Sofu Pantsios served as hanto, and Sokei Wright was the first guest during the third seating.

On a day filled with warmth and sunshine, guests were served a selection of sweets that evoked the arrival of spring, followed by a bowl of tea.