Chado Experience by U.S. First Lady Laura BUSH in Tokyo

When U.S. President George W. BUSH and his wife, Mrs. Laura BUSH, made their week-long tour through Japan, So. Korea, and China in February, 2002, Mrs. Bush took part in a chado experience in Tokyo, which was specially arranged for her by Mrs. FUKUDA Kiyoko, wife of Japanese Minister of State and Chief Cabinet Secretary FUKUDA Yasuo. It took place in the afternoon of February 18, in the Japanese-style annex at the State Guest House located in Akasaka.
   Mrs. Fukuda studied chado for many years under the late SAKURAI Yoshiko, sister of Urasenke Grand Master SEN Soshitsu XV, and has the "tea name" (chamei) "Soki." She hosted the special program for Mrs. Bush this day, explaining to her about this cultural practice of the Japanese, and SAKURAI Yoshiko's daughter, SAKURAI Yukiko, performed the tea-making (temae).


Mrs. Bush makes a bowl of tea Mrs. Fukuda (left) sits beside Mrs. Bush to view the tea-making


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