A Japanese prince and princess will join about 1,300 world-wide members of Urasenke, a school of the tea ceremony, in celebrating its 50th anniversary in Honolulu this month. Japanese prince and
princess to attend
tea ceremony herePrince Takamado, a cousin
of the emperor, will
visit with his wifeBy Helen Altonn
haltonn@starbulletin.comPrince Takamado, a cousin of Emperor Akihito, and his wife, Princess Hisako, will visit July 15-22.
They will participate in events to foster relations between Japan and the state, attend ceremonies marking Urasenke's anniversary and meet with state officials and local celebrities.
Urasenke's headquarters in Japan began activities in 1951 and expanded first to Hawaii, then around the world, said Joann Minomiya, spokesperson for Urasenke.
She said about 800 members are expected at the convention from Japan, 200 from Hawaii and another 200 from other areas. The Honolulu Academy of Arts will present a big exhibit July 18 commemorating the event, she said.
A number of tea ceremonies will be held, including a formal tea with Japanese and Hawaiian royalty on the grounds of Iolani Palace July 20, she said. The public will be able to watch.
Performing the tea ceremony will be Soshitsu Sen XV of Kyoto, 15th generation grand master whose family dates back 400 years, she said. "It is very dignified and not done very often."
Five different tea ceremonies are planned for Urasenke members July 19.
Three will be between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Hawaii Convention Center, one at Seikoan, the teahouse in the Japanese Cultural Center, and the other in Jakuan, the tea house at the East West-Center, she said.
A banquet will be held July 19 at the Hawaiian Village for local members to celebrate the 50th anniversary. Another banquet will be hosted by the Sen family July 20 at the Convention Center.