We had our annual chakai at the Maiden Theatre in the Botanic Gardens on Sunday, 13 October 2019.
We were fortunate enough to have beautiful weather. Our theme this year was Reiwa, the name of Japan’s new Imperial era.
Cowra Sakura Matsuri
Association members made tea for 180 guests at the Cowra’s Sakura Matsuri on Saturday (Sept 28). It was a perfect sunny temperate Spring day with the Cowra Japanese Gardens in full bloom.
The festival of Japanese cultural events and performances attracted 2,500 people and members raised $895, which was donated to the gardens.
all photos by Mark Symonds
Chakai for 10 th Anniversary of AikiLife Aikido Dojo
Chakai for 10 th Anniversary of AikiLife Aikido Dojo
Kyoko McKay
On 1 September, the first day of Spring, the Sydney Association Canberra Group
was invited by aikido sensei Ann Reekie to celebrate the 10 th anniversary of the
founding of her dojo by holding a day of chado demonstrations for aikido students
and their families at the dojo.
The Canberra Group made use of the dojo’s beautiful tatami room to conduct
So Kazari temae. We displayed a kakejiku that read ‘Nichi, nichi, kore koujitsu’
(Every day is a good day) and Kyoko Sensei made kangori (寒氷) and gyuhi (求肥).
Members set up a mizuya in the training area and the sound of martial arts was
temporarily replaced by boiling water and tea-talk.
We held four sessions and served a total of 66 guests. Host and assistant duties
were performed by Takako Mizogami, Megumi Eddison and Dirk Staunton; MC was
conducted by Dirk and Chika Staunton; kitchen assistants included Letha Chang,
Rumi Brown and Nobu Ohashi; while Kyoko Sensei kept everything running
smoothly.
The guests were impressed with the demonstration and enjoyed matcha with
Japanese sweets. Although most were familiar with Japanese culture from their
aikido studies, none had previously seen chado. The guests enjoyed the atmosphere
of tea and asked many questions afterwards. We received excellent feedback from
Ann Sensei following the chakai, who was very happy that her tatami room had been
used for a traditional Japanese practice.
Thank you to the helpers for giving up their Fathers Day and putting so much
enthusiasm into this event. It was a fantastic way to usher in Canberra’s finest
season.
Japanese Tea Ceremony at Everglades
Association members held a very successful Chado demonstration on Saturday, August 31, for the Friends of Everglades House and Gardens, a renowned National Trust estate in Leura, with 5.2 hectares of gardens.
The gardens were constructed in the 1930s by Danish-born landscape gardener Paul Sorensen.
The demonstration, by the Leura tea group, was attended by 40 people. A specially designed Nagomi-dana style tea-table, made in Canberra by Yamaguchi-san, was used.
On display was a fan Kacho Fugetsa O’Tanoshima, written by Zabosai Oiemoto, and a Chabana arrangement of early spring flowers.
Some members of the audience said they could feel the meditative atmosphere during the demonstration.
Chado for a promotional film for the Rugby World Cup
Association members did Chado for a promotional film for the Rugby World Cup, which will be held in Japan in late September.
James Coventry from Great Big Events organised the shoot at Itoko-sensei’s tea room in Sydney, on August 14.
Tomomi Nakaya was Teishu and Gota, a half Japanese rugby player, was part ofthe shoot. Peter Armstrong dressed Gota in his kimono and hakama.
The scenes of Tomomi and Gota were retaken many times and Gota could easily have drunk five bowls of usucha, with omogashi and higashi as well.
The film crew arrived 10:30am and shooting didn’t finish till 9pm. Itoko-sensei said everyone was exhausted, but it was a really interesting experience, probably a once-in-a-life-time event. But once was enough.
Coming up – REIWA Spring Chakai
Coming soon event
REIWA Spring Chakai – Japanese Tea Ceremony
When: Sunday Sunday 13 October 2019, from 11:00am to 15:30pm
Where: Maiden Theatre,
The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney Mrs. Macquarie Road, Sydney
Ticket: $25 for two servings of tea and traditional Japanese sweets.
Sessions times (bookings essential)
11:00, 11:45, 12:30, 13:15, 14:00 and 14:45.
Sessions are 45 minutes long
Bookings: www.trybooking.com/BEKQG
Map: www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au
Chado Urasenke Tankokai Sydney Association invites you to relax and immerse yourself in Japanese culture within the historic and peaceful atmosphere of the Royal Botanic Garden.
Association members will demonstrate two styles of tea ceremony. In both demonstrations guests can enjoy a bowl of premium Matcha powdered green tea and beautiful Wagashi Japanese sweets served by members in kimono dress. You will learn of Chado, the way of tea, and experience the manners and artistry of tea ceremony.
