Sacred Tea-offering Ceremony in Memory of the Early Hawaiian Forefathers and in Prayer for World Peace
Iolani Palace     July 20, 2001      9:00-10:30 A.M.


On the occasion of the 50th Anniversary celebration of Urasenke in Hawaii, Grand Master SEN Soshitsu XV and his two sons, SEN Soshi and IZUMI Soko, presented a sacred tea-offering ceremony (kencha-shiki) in front of the historic Iolani Palace, located in Honolulu. This palace is distinguished as the only State Residence of Royalty in the United States of America. The tea offerings were dedicated to King Kalakaua, whose voyage to Japan and resulting friendship with the Meiji Emperor laid the foundation for Japanese immigrants to come to Hawaii, and to King Kamehameha I and the people of Hawaii. As well, they were made in prayer for world peace. The dignitaries representing the former Hawaiian royal family included Marquesa Kapiolani MARIGNOLI and her nephew David KAWANANAKOA. Representing the Japanese imperial family were Prince Takamado Norihito and his wife, Princess Hisako. Approximately 1,000 people attended this solemn and inspiring ceremony.

Program

  • Presentation of Colors (flags of the U.S.A., Japan, and Hawaii) by Joint Service Royal Guard
  • Anthems of U.S.A., Japan, and State of Hawaii played by the Royal Hawaiian Band
  • Opening Chant by Anthony LENCHANKO
  • Traditional Hawaiian Hula Dances by the Ka Pa Hula O Kauanoe O Wa'ahila
  • Ritual incense offering by IZUMI Soko
  • Ritual tea offering to King Kalakaua by Grand Master SEN Soshitsu XV
  • Ritual tea offering to King Kamehameha by SEN Soshi
  • Mahalo from Grant Master SEN Soshitsu XV
  • "Aloha Oe" sung by Nina KEALIIWAHAMANA
  • Closing Chant by Anthony LENCHANKO


Gov. and Mrs. Cayetano, Marquesa Kapiolani
MARIGNOLI, David KAWANANAKOA, and
Prince and Princess Takamado		 Presentation of Colors
Performance of traditional hula dance
          IZUMI Soko conducts ritual incense offering


The Grand Master prepares koicha (thick tea) offering dedicated
to King Kalakaua

SEN Soshi prepares koicha(thick tea) offering dedicated to
King Kamehameha


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