On a sunny, and mild Southern California Autumn, 82 members gathered in Little Tokyo’s　Zenshuji Soto Mission to honor the memory of Hounsai Hanso Soshitsu Koji.

At 1:00 p.m. the tolling of the bells began the service followed by prayers facing the portrait of Hounsai Sosho by Reverend Shumyo Kojima. The tea offering was then performed by Mme. Uyesugi and assisted by Mme. Robinson. Hanayose (flower arrangement) was then held by members. One by one, multiple vases were arranged by members of the Tankokai. Reverend Shumyo Kojima led the group in the recitation of the Heart Sutra or Hannya Shingyo. Following that, all members were invited to offer incense.

CoA Ann Abe gave opening remarks and how she met Hounsai Sosho last time when she visited Kyoto. President Robert Hori presented the eulogy. He talked about Hounsai Sosho’s tireless effort to bring peace through a bowl of tea. Through the tragedy of war, he made it his life’s work to promote peace and spread teachings of tea all over the world. Closing remarks were made by CoA Ann Abe and the congregation was invited to tea and sweets in the social hall of the temple.

The tea utensils were chosen with collaborative efforts by members who contributed pieces that reflected and advocated Hounsai Hanso Soshitsu Koji’s global spirit of Chado. The teishu was Mr. Cirilo Domine and the hanto was Ms. Rebecca Corbett. The sweets were specially made by Mme. Kodama and named “Omokage” (remembrance). 

It was a meaningful occasion for the UTLAA. It left a renewed sense of appreciation for the contributions and accomplishments of the Hounsai Hanso Soshitsu.