Chado in Bucharest for Centennial of Japan-Romania Diplomatic Relations

The year 2002 represents the 100th year since diplomatic relations were established between Japan and Romania. By request of Ambassador MITSUHASHI Hidekata of the Japanese Embassy in Romania, Urasenke assisted with the program of special commemorative events to celebrate this major milestone. From Kyoto, Urasenke Headquarters dispatched two of its in-house chanoyu experts, SHIRAHASE Soko and FUSHIDA Ayato, to take charge of the chanoyu events. Providing invaluable local assistance were the members of the Urasenke Tankokai Romania Association, led by the association's president, Paul DIACONU.    In the evening of April 10, they presented a chanoyu program for the public at the Bucharest National Theatre. The audience numbered more than 450, filling the theatre to capacity. In the afternoon of April 11, they presented a chanoyu gathering for invited dignitaries at the ambassador's official residence. Among the thirty attendees was Her Majesty Queen Ana.

Chanoyu presentation at the Bucharest National Theatre	Ten people from the audience came up to the stage to be guests for a bowl of tea