Daisosho SEN Genshitsu Visits Indonesia

The year 2008 marks the Golden Year of Friendship between Japan and Indonesia, and also the 20th anniversary of the Urasenke Tankokai Indonesia Association. To celebrate these, Daisosho SEN Genshitsu made a trip to Jakarta from June 20 to 24, 2008. Arriving in Jakarta the morning of June 20, that afternoon he took part in a tea gathering (chakai) co-sponsored by the Japanese Embassy and the Urasenke Tankokai Indonesia Association, celebrating the Golden Year. It was held at the InterContinental Hotel, and the principal guests were Indonesian President Susilo Bambung YUDHOYONO and First Lady Kristiani. Other important guests from the Indonesian government included State Secretary Hatta RAJASA and Minister Muhammad NUH of the Ministry of Communications and Informatics. This event was given wide coverage in newspapers and on TV news programs in Indonesia.

The Tankokai Indonesia Association's 20th Anniversary events took place on June 23, at the Hotel Nikko Jakarta. Approximately three hundred invited guests were received at the initial tea gathering. Following the tea gathering, there was a commemorative ceremony and then a dinner party sponsored by Daisosho Sen. Ambassador SHIOJIRI Kojiro and his wife, of the Japanese Embassy in Indonesia, attended the ceremony, at which Daisosho presented awards to a number of the association's officers for their meritorious service.

On June 24, Daisosho presented a special lecture-demonstration program at the Center for Japanese Studies, National University of Indonesia. Approximately 380 students and others of the university filled the lecture hall. Afterwards, in the lobby, the attendees were served sweets and tea by members of the Urasenke Tankokai Indonesia Association.