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Commemorative Banquets Hilton Hawaiian Village Mid-Pacific Conference Center Coral Ballroom July 19, 2001 5:30-8:00 P.M. |
| The Urasenke Hawaii Chapter, inaugurated in March, 1951, not only is the first Urasenke chapter
to have been established outside Japan, but is also the largest Urasenke chapter in the world.
In celebration of its 50th anniversary, the members hosted a grand banquet, inviting all
the Urasenke International Convention registrants. Altogether, approximately 1250 guests attended.
Heading the list of special distinguished guests were Prince and Princess Takamado.
Adding to the festive atmosphere and local "flavor" was the opening entertainment by
the Honolulu Boys' Choir and then dancing and music by the children of the Olana Ai Hula Halau,
dressed in colorful Hawaiian attire, who presented leis to all the guests. Japanese Consul-General SHIBUYA Minoru presented the opening toast. A surprise event was University of Hawaii President Evan S. DOBELLE's announcement of the establishment of a Dr. Sen Soshitsu International Way of Tea Center in the University's Center for Japanese Studies, and the fact that Dr. Sen had been named Senior Advisor of the Center for Japanese Studies. Another highlight of the evening was the awards presentation ceremony, at which the Grand Master recognized the following six people for their outstanding service to Urasenke in Hawaii: the late Mr. Katsuro MIHO, 2nd President of the Hawaii Chapter, and also his wife, Mrs. Jayne MIHO; Dr. Fujio MATSUDA, 3rd President of the Hawaii Chapter; Mr. Yoshiharu SATOH, 4th and current President of the Hawaii Chapter; Former Hawaii Governor George R. ARIYOSHI; and Mrs. SHIOTSUKI Soshin, eldest sister of the Grand Master. From President Satoh of the Hawaii Chapter, 20 individuals received awards for meritorious service to the chapter. Furthermore, 19 individuals were awarded for their longstanding dedication as Urasenke chado teachers in Hawaii. |
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| Grand Master SEN Soshitsu awards George R. ARIYOSHI for his outstanding service to Urasenke in Hawaii |
Entertainment by Honolulu Boys' Choir |
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Celebration Banquet Hosted by Grand Master SEN Soshitsu XV and His Family Hawaii Convention Center July 20, 2001 5:30-8:00 P.M. (cocktails from 5:00) |
| Following the Grand Commemorative Ceremony held at the Hawaii Convention Center in the afternoon, the Grand Master and his family hosted a celebration banquet in the ballroom at the Convention Center. The special guests of honor were Prince and Princess Takamado, who enjoyed a private cocktail gathering with representatives from the various countries preceding the banquet. SEN Soshi presented the opening address, mentioning that it was his desire to continue the world pilgrimage that his father, the Grand Master, had been making. John RITCHIE then presented an address, recalling fond memories of his early days with the Grand Master. Music was provided by the Hawaii Youth Symphony. Also, current and former students of the Midorikai gathered on the stage and, together with the Grand Master, sang the Japanese song, "Furusato." The special guest entertainer was the well-known singer, Loyal GARNER. As the night went on, the Grand Master also demonstrated his musical talent, singing a Hawaiian song to his own ukulele accompaniment, and then, to the great delight of everyone, Prince Takamado joined him and Loyal GARNER on the stage, and played the ukulele to their singing. It was a gala, emotion-filled night to be long remembered. |
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| The Midorikai come to the stage and sing a song with the Grand Master |
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