Chado Urasenke Tankokai North America Convention in Los Angeles

From the 13th through 15th of September, 2002, Los Angeles was the host of the Chado Urasenke Tankokai North America Convention. Urasenke Grand Master SEN Soshitsu XV and a number of members of the SEN family were present at these events celebrating the 50th anniversary of the four oldest official Urasenke affiliates on the North American continent -- the Chado Urasenke Tankokai Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and Chicago Associations -- as well as the 25th anniversary of the San Diego Association, the 20th anniversary of the Portland Wakai Association, and the 5th anniversary of the Arizona Association. Approximately 700 Urasenke chado followers, composed of 240 from Japan and 460 from the U.S.A. and Canada, gathered in Los Angeles and participated in the various commemorative events. U.S. President George W. BUSH, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi A. ANNAN, Japanese Prime Minister KOIZUMI Junichiro, and Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs KAWAGUCHI Yoriko sent congratulatory messages.

September 13	September 14	September 15
Lecture by Dr. SEN at Pepperdine University	Tea offering by Dr. SEN at UCLA World Festival of Sacred Music
North America Convention Commemorative Ceremony	North America Convention Commemorative Tea Gathering	Lecture by Dr. SEN at Los Angeles County Museum of Art
Banquet hosted by Chado Urasenke Tankokai Los Angeles Association	Banquet hosted by Grand Master SEN Soshitsu XV	(End-of-event Party)