Mugenki, August 2024

Chado Urasenke Tankokai San Francisco Association Mugenki Tea Ceremony

On Sunday, August 11, 2024, the Chado Urasenke Tankokai San Francisco Association held its annual Mugenki memorial tea ceremony at the Kansoan Tea Room of Hokka Nichi Bei Kai (Japanese American Association of Northern California) in San Francisco’s Japantown. This event honored the memory of Tantansai also known as Mugensai, the 14th Grandmaster of Urasenke School of Tea.

Urasenke Foundation San Francisco hosted the tea and 59 members and guests attended. Vice President of the Association, Allen Okamoto welcomed the guests and Director of the Urasenke Foundation San Francisco Branch Soei Bartlett introduced the hosts.

Flowers were offered by Consul HAGIWARA Mayu of the Consulate General of Japan San Francisco, Sokyo Tiscornia, and YAMAMURA Soko.

HAGIWARA Mayu was the first guest, Soju Wender served as teishu (host), and UEDA Sobin served as hanto (assistant) during the first seating.

HAGIWARA Sojin was the first guest, Hiroko Kawamura Shen served as teishu, and Sokei Hamilton served as hanto during the second seating.

Sokei Wright was the first guest, Robert Bates served as teishu, and SATO Soki served as hanto during the third seating.

The tearoom was filled with dogu (utensils), stories, and conversation about Tantansai which the guests and hosts enjoyed alike in a serene, friendly atmosphere.