The Urasenke Tankokai Los Angeles Association’s Youth and ESS – English Speaking Society, presented a Nodate Chakai on a pleasantly cool and sunny day. In the spirit of friendship, camaraderie, and community, 48 members shared tea with fellow tea practitioners within the Tankokai in a relaxed outdoor atmosphere.

The chakai was inspired by a tea gathering on the grounds of Kitano Tenmangu in Kyoto held by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1587, called Kitano no Ochanoyu. People from all walks of life gathered to have a bowl of tea and share their passion for tea.

Thirteen teishu were assigned to 6 locations on the Shoseian grounds.  Each participating teishu presented chabako and chitose bon temae using personal dougu from their own or teacher’s collection. Participants were encouraged to walk around, observe and enjoy all the otemae presented.

Everyone left with a stronger sense of community within our Tankokai and a renewed appreciation for the reasons that inspired us to become passionate about Chado.