Iemoto SEN Soshitsu XVI in Toronto, Canada

Iemoto SEN Soshitsu XVI in Toronto, Canada

Urasenke Iemoto SEN Soshitsu XVI, Zabosai, made a trip to Toronto, Canada, from January 23-28, 2006, to contribute to the opening celebrations of the Prince Takamado Gallery of Japan at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM). The new gallery is named in memory of the late Prince Takamado (1954-2002), the youngest brother of Zabosai's wife, SEN Masako. H.I.H. Princess Hisako Takamado was guest of honor at the opening celebrations.


Royal Ontario Museum	Zabosai is welcomed by the ROM executives.

The events began with a private tea gathering presented by Zabosai from 5:15 P.M. on January 26 in the ROM's Glass Room. Approximately sixty attendees, predominantly major donors to the Japan initiative at the ROM, attended. After being introduced by President David PALMER of the ROM Foundation, Zabosai sat before the shin daisu on the temae tatami which had specially been installed, and prepared a bowl of tea to place before the portrait of the late Prince. He then prepared a second bowl of tea, for the Princess to drink. Each of the other guests was served a bowl of tea by Zabosai's assistants. The sweets, designed specially for this event, had a red maple leaf design in the center.


Zabosai offers his respects a bowl before the portrait of the late Prince.


Tour of the newly opened gallery	Sweet designed specially for this event

Following the tea gathering, Zabosai joined the Princess for a tour of the newly opened gallery, as well as for the VIP reception and gala dinner which was the crowning event of the evening.


Zabosai meets the Urasenke Tankokai Toronto Association members.	Zabosai is interviewed by the local newspaper.

The general public celebrated the gallery's opening at "Japan Night at the ROM" on January 27, which featured a chanoyu introduction and demonstration in the ROM's refurbished Signy & Cléophée Eaton Theatre. Zabosai provided the explanations, and also answered the various questions from the audience at the Q & A portion of the program. There were approximately 450 attendees, including over sixty members of the Urasenke Tankokai Toronto Association.