On January 11, the students and supporters of Issoan gathered at the Cedar Tree Hotel to celebrate Hatsugama. A bento, koicha and usucha were served with portable table style.
The traditional New Year kagami mochi was displayed as well as a shikishi and bell denoting the year of the horse. In keeping with the Chokudai of 明 (mei, bright), the scroll displayed read the “The sun shines on heaven and earth,” with the knotted willow and tsubaki flowers.
Three students received menjo. Ryan Merrill and Chie Tadaki received Nyumon, Konarai and Chabako licenses. Stephanie Wilson received Daien no So and Hikitsugi assistant teaching license. 
Some beautiful kimekomi dolls were gifted to us made by Rie Nakata’s grandmother.
Thank you and well done to the students who helped put on the event.
