2026 Hatsugama, a traditional New Year’s Tea Gathering was held at the Miyako Hybrid Hotel in Torrance

We respectfully extend our heartfelt New Year’s greetings.

On Sunday, January 11, 2026, under a clear winter sky, we solemnly held the New Year’s Hatsugama (First Tea Gathering of the Year) at the Miyako Hybrid Hotel in Torrance. We were honored to welcome Ms. Naoko Kamiya, Minister and Deputy Consul General of the Consulate-General of Japan in Los Angeles, as well as Mr. Akira Kajita, Director General of JETRO Los Angeles. Together with a total of 115 guests, we joyfully celebrated the beginning of the new year in a truly auspicious atmosphere.

At the Main Tea Gathering (Koicha seki – Thick tea seating), seasonal New Year motifs such as hagoita paddles and spinning tops were displayed. The tokonoma (decorative alcove) featured knotted willow branches, plum blossoms, and camellias, expressing the subtle arrival of spring amid winter. Guests enjoyed nerikiri (handcrafted Japanese sweet) named Hatsune (“First song”) and koicha bearing the name Rakujū no Mukashi, a tea favored by the current Grand Master of Omotesenke school, Yūyūsai. All participants shared a rare and meaningful moment, quietly reflecting on the spirit of the Way of Tea and the profound depth of Japanese culture that has been passed down through the ages.

At the Ryūrei (table-style) seating, the calligraphy Tenba Kūkō (“A Heavenly Horse Running Freely Through the Sky”) was displayed. Tea bowls featuring the zodiac animal of the year, the horse, as well as bowls adorned with cat motifs, were chosen with wishes for the success and good fortune of all guests. Bamboo tea utensils decorated with maki-e (a Japanese lacquer decoration technique) designs of pine and plum further complemented the seasonal theme. Amid warm conversation, guests enjoyed usucha (thin tea), creating a heartfelt and harmonious gathering. Throughout the event, prayers were offered for peace and happiness in the coming year, and a spirit of friendship and harmony prevailed.

As we move forward into the new year, we remain fully committed to cherishing the bonds we share through the Way of Tea and to sincerely passing on the beauty and spirit of Japanese culture to future generations.

Omotesenke Domonkai Southern California Region