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Grand Commemorative Ceremony July 20, 2001 2:00-3:20 P.M. |
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| Hawaii Convention Center |
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This ceremony was the central event of the Urasenke International Convention in Hawaii, and was attended by all 1,200 of the convention registrants. Present as guests of honor were Prince Takamado Norihito and Princess Hisako. To begin, the huge room was darkened for a viewing of a short video highlighting the 50 years of Urasenke overseas. Then the U.S. military marching band made their entrance and performed the national anthem of the U.S.A., state anthem of Hawaii, and national anthem of Japan. Former Hawaii Governor George ARIYOSHI, serving as honorary chairman of the events, presented a welcoming address, and then Grand Master SEN Soshitsu XV presented a very moving address. The vice president of the Urasenke Hawaii Chapter, Dr. Satoru IZUTSU, who served as executive committee chairman for the events, announced the "international appeal" which had been approved at the World Representatives' Meeting the previous day. This was followed by an awards presentation for distinguished meritorious service toward Urasenke's internationalization. The three recipients were Mr. James K. FUJIKAWA, founding president of the Urasenke Hawaii Chapter; Mrs. Sosei MATSUMOTO, who pioneered the international work of Urasenke in the Los Angeles area; and Mr. John RITCHIE, who provided invaluable support in the San Francisco area. Then, Prince Takamado presented an address, speaking for the first few minutes in his flawless English. Following this, Japanese Consul General SHIBUYA Minoru presented a congratulatory speech, and there was a screening of a videotaped congratulatory address from Japanese Prime Minister KOIZUMI Jun'ichiro. Written congratulatory messages had also been received from Prime Minister Koizumi as well as from U.S. President George W. BUSH and United Nations Secretary-General Kofi A. ANNAN. |
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| Attendees stand at attention for the playing of the anthems |
George ARIYOSHI presents welcoming address |
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| Satoru IZUTSU announces the "international appeal" |
Prince and Princess Takamado congratulate James K. FUJIKAWA |
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Special Talk by Grand Master SEN Soshitsu XV Hawaii Convention Center July 20, 2001 3:30-4:10 P.M. |
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| Following a short intermission after the Grand Commemorative Ceremony,
the Grand Master presented a special talk. Click here for summary
When it ended 40 minutes later,
he was showered with a long-lasting applause from the audience. |
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| Grand Master SEN Soshitsu presents special talk |
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