The Way-of-Tea (Chado) demonstrations were held to celebrate the 83rd year of Nisei Week at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center (JACCC) in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles. Urasenke Tankokai Los Angeles Association proudly presented different summer-themed tea ceremonies. Students of 16 instructors participated. 

A total of 14 ceremony demonstrations were performed between 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m on Saturday and Sunday. A total of 390 tea tickets were sold surpassing the previous record. One of the distinguished guests was Mr. Kenko Sone, Consul General of Japan, and his wife Mrs. Asami.

At the entrance, guests were welcomed with a lush and refreshing tsukubai (a wash basin) scene and a seating area where guests waited before entering the presentations. A misonodana (a table used for the tea procedure) was installed near the entrance to welcome guests. The demonstrations were held in the “yojohan” (four-and-a-half mat) tearoom of the Cultural Center. Each instructor’s group presented different summer tea procedures with a wide variety of implements. Each demonstration had a narrator who explained the history of Urasenke, its traditions, the tea procedure presented and the many aspects of tea culture. After each demonstration, guests faced the misonodana and were served tea and sweets. 

On Sunday, the newly crowned Nisei Week Queen and court stopped by to enjoy tea and sweets. Instructors, managers, friends, and numerous student volunteers of the tankokai joined to make this event a spectacular success, promoting the Urasenke tea community of Southern California as well as Japanese culture.