Daisosho Genshitsu SEN in Vienna Commemorating 150th Anniversary
of Japan-Austria Diplomatic Relations

Occasioned by the 150th anniversary this year of diplomatic relations between Japan and Austria, Daisosho Genshitsu SEN was in Vienna, the national capital of Austria, from June 23 to 26, 2019, during which short few days, supported by the Urasenke Foundation, the Embassy of Japan in Austria, and the members of the Urasenke Tankokai Austria Association, he accomplished a great deal to confirm and promote the friendship bond between the two countries.

On June 23 (Sunday), from 1:00 in the afternoon at the World Museum Vienna (Weltmuseum Wien), there was a commemorative program open to the public. It began with Daisosho conducting a "Tea Offering Ceremony in Prayer for Peace." He next prepared of tea to be shared by special representative guests seated on the stage in an expression of friendship and goodwill. This was followed by a poignant lecture by him, in which he explained about the Japanese emotions which underlie the serving and drinking of a bowl of tea in the context of chado. Afterwards, traditional Japanese confections and a bowl of matcha tea were served to the attendees in the hall outside the auditorium. Urasenke Tankokai students and teachers from nearby European areas, including Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hamburg, Hungary, and Geneva, had come to assist the Tankokai Austria Association in this.

National anthems are sung before the ceremony

Tea offering and sharing in prayer for Peace

Daisosho delivers an impactful lecture

Urasenke Konnichian gyoteibu (corps of deputy tea masters) members who accompanied Daisosho on this trip, together with Tankokai members from around Europe, serve tea to all the attendees.

The next day, June 24 (Monday), Daisosho payed a courtesy call on Austria's former president, Dr. Heinz FISCHER. At the meeting, they drank matcha together.



On June 25, Japanese Ambassador Kiyoshi KOINUMA hosted a tea gathering at his official residence, where Daisosho prepared tea for the specially invited guests.


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