Omotesenke Tea Ceremony Demonstration at Little Tokyo’s Nisei Week

The annual Nisei Week celebration was held once again this year, with Omotesenke presenting tea ceremony demonstrations on August 15 and 16 at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center (JACCC) in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles.

Blessed with pleasant and refreshing weather throughout the weekend, the two-day event welcomed approximately 280 visitors. During each demonstration, guests listened attentively to narration explaining the traditions and etiquette of chanoyu while observing the host preparing tea and the graceful exchange of gestures between host and guests.

Following each demonstration, matcha and Japanese sweets were served to all attendees, giving everyone an opportunity to experience and enjoy chanoyu firsthand. Each session was lively and well attended, making the event a great success.

On August 15, we were honored to welcome Nagoya Deputy Mayor Midori Sugino and other representatives from Nagoya City, Los Angeles’ sister city, who attended one of the demonstrations. Members of the Urasenke school of tea ceremony also joined us, providing a wonderful opportunity to share an appreciation of chanoyu across tea traditions.

On August 16, we were honored to welcome Consul General Kosei Murota and Vice Consul Anzu Maekawa of the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles, who attended one of the demonstrations.

Over the course of the two days, we were delighted to introduce chanoyu to so many visitors and offer an opportunity to deepen their interest in and appreciation of Japanese culture. It was a meaningful and memorable Nisei Week for everyone involved.

Omotesenke Domonkai Southern California Region