I am again writing with a heavy heart, in that long time head of the Urasenke Tankokai Portland Association, Wako Henjyoji Sensei has passed away. Condolences to her daughter Florence Harada and all the family members at this difficult time.
Henjyoji Sensei was a teacher of not only Chado, but also a Sensei …
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It was a very busy month for me in January. I hosted an informal chakai, a hango chaji, helped at a student chakai, and was part of the group hosting the Hatsu chakai for the larger Tankokai group. I also attended a student chaji, had 3 presentations of Chado and led a listening to incense …
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When we receive a bowl of tea, the etiquette is that we say “osaki ni” to the next guest, thank the host for making the tea, and lift the bowl in “kansha” or gratitude before we turn the bowl and drink the tea.
This kansha is not just gratitude for host making tea. It is …
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When I do tea presentations at different venues, I need to set up the tatami, shoji and tea room as well as set up the mizuya. It takes about an hour to pack every thing up and load the car, an hour to heat water, clean and set up at the venue, an hour to …
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Last night was a beautiful evening for moonviewing. At the Portland Japanese Garden we participated in the O-tsukimi festival with a celebration of Japanese culture. The weather was cloudy during the day, but as the evening deepened, all the clouds dissapated to reveal the moon. The celebration will continue tonight and tomorrow night. It is …
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