Urasenke Foundation of Hawaii president Dr. Genshitsu Sen hosted a dinner reception for friends and members of the Chado Urasenke Tankokai Hawaii Association on July 21. Participants of the University of Hawai‘i’s 47th tea seminar were also invited to the event which was held at the Sheraton Waikiki.
The dinner was an opportunity for the Urasenke communities from Hawai‘i and Japan to enjoy fellowship and entertainment. Kumu hula (hula teacher) Edward Collier and his hälau, Hälau O Na Pua Kukui, provided Hawaiian music and dance entertainment.
Dr. Sen announced that Tankokai Hawaii will celebrate its 70th anniversary in two years. He said he hopes the occasion will be an opportunity to extend aloha to the world by hosting an international tea event.
Consul General Ito gave the kampai and reflected on last year’s Gannenmono anniversary celebration. He acknowledged Dr. Sen for the special tea ceremony at Makiki Cemetery and commented on how deep the roots of the Japanese have penetrated the soil in Hawai‘i.
The practice of chado, or “the way of tea,” has kept 96-year-old Dr. Sen youthful, happy and strong. He spent the remainder of the evening laughing and smiling with guests and taking lots of photos.
