Before boarding the Fujimaru, the delegates gathered for an inaugural ceremony at the Kobe Port Terminal Hall. On hand to bid them farewell were Grand Master SEN Soshitsu XV, as well as Consul-General WANG Taiping of the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in Osaka, Hyogo Governor KAIHARA Toshitami, Kobe City Assistant YATA Tatsuro, and President MIYAZAKI Toru of Mitsui OSK Passenger Line, Ltd. Once at sea, there was an orientation meeting led by the Tankokai Headquarters staff. In the evening, the delegates enjoyed a welcome buffet party hosted by Captain Shirakawa.
| Inauguration Ceremony at Kobe Port Terminal Hall | |
 Delegation Leader SEN Soshi gives pep talk |
 Consul-General WANG Taiping gives congratulatory address |
 Hyogo Governor KAIHARA Toshitami expresses his best wishes |
 Grand Master SEN Soshitsu XV hands Executive Committee Chairman ASADA Yoshimi the delegation flag |
The Grand Master and many others see the ship off | |
