In June 2025, Dr. Reijiro Sorei Izumi, the grandson of Daishosho Hounsai was warmly welcomed for a week-long visit to Los Angeles with a tea gathering at the Huntington Gardens and the home of Soyu Uyesugi, a Dodger’s baseball game, a banquet dinner at the Wilshire Country Club and a symposium at the Japan House organized by the UCLA Architecture and Urban Design.

On June 12, representing Daishosho sama and Oiemoto sama, Dr. Izumi extended heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the Tankokai members who lost their homes in the tragic January fires. His words of support and encouragement gave hope and resilience in continuing the community’s tea practice.

On June 13, three past Chiefs of Administration, Mme. Sokyo Kasai, Mme. Soshin Robinson, and Mme. Soyu Uyesugi had the honor of Dr. Izumi for an intimate tea gathering at the Huntington Garden’s Seifuan. Other guests included Ms. Nicole Cavender, Director of the Botanical Gardens, Ms. Christina Nielsen, Director of the Art Museum, and Ms. Nenette Luarca-Shoal, Director of Education. After the tea gathering Dr. Izumi was given a tour of the Shoya House. The banquet dinner was held in Dr. Izumi’s honor at the Wilshire Country Club that evening. Honored guests included the Deputy Vice Consul of Japan Mr. Naoshige Aoshima, Ms. Yasuko Uchida (Director, Japan Foundation Los Angeles), and Mr. Hitoshi Abe (Professor, UCLA Architecture and Urban Design). 74 guests attended the banquet.

On June 15, the Tankokai with Dr. Izumi participated in an all-day symposium co-organized by the UCLA Architecture and Urban Design, the Urasenke Tankokai Federation, Japan House, and the Terasaki Center for Japanese Studies. Opening remarks were presented by Ms. Yuko Kaifu, President of Japan House Los Angeles, followed by Mr. Naoshige Aoshima – Deputy Consul General of Japan in Los Angeles, and David Kim – Associate Vice Provost, UCLA International Institute. Mr. Hitoshi Abe, and Dr. Izumi briefly talked about the meaning of “Za” in contemporary culture. The first session included the music composer Mr. John Graham. Mr. Masaki Nakayama from Sony Pictures spoke about creating virtual architectural spaces, and Dr. Izumi spoke about the place of tea in contemporary culture and its place in art settings. Mme. Michelle Carriger moderated the discussion. Dr. Izumi then leads “Tea and Chat”, a free discussion among seated guests about experiences on culture and sharing. Participants were served sweets in bright red, folded boxes brought from Kyoto. Tankokai volunteers then helped in serving Usucha (thin matcha). In the 2nd session, Mr. Kunio Kirisako spoke about tea and architecture. Dr. Yusuke Tsugawa from UCLA talked about the statistics relating to happiness and well-being. Mr. Neil Denari, a professor from the UCLA Architecture and Urban design spoke about world architecture and the meaning of function in architecture. The discussion was moderated by Mr. Michael Osman. Closing remarks were given by Ms. Mariana Ibanez, Chair and Associate Professor, UCLA Architecture and Urban Design.