Omotesenke Domonkai Eastern Region USA
15th Anniversary Commemorative Events
Introduction
Eastern Region, USA, the fourth Omotesenke Domonkai chapter in North America, is active in the following five areas: the New York metro area; the Washington, DC metro area; Florida; Philadelphia; and Seattle. In the keynote speech at the founding ceremony of our organization, Yuyusai Sosho, the current Iemoto of Omotesenke, directed us to “Become a bridge connecting Japan and the United States.” With these words as a guide, we have strived to build long-lasting relationships by advancing Omotesenke Chanoyu culture within our region.
Currently, we have about 150 members, hold public tea ceremonies, deliver lectures on topics on Chanoyu, and organize tea ceremony demonstrations throughout the year. In addition, we provide tea ceremony instructions in educational intuitions and schools, ranging from elementary schools to universities. All of these activities are supported by member volunteers and funded with annual membership dues and generous donations from members and others. These activities are also made possible with the support from other public, non-profit, and educational institutions by providing venues and cooperative event programming.
Greetings
Ryuji Ueno, PhD and PhD, MD
President, Omotesenke Domonkai Eastern Region, USA
President & CEO, Ryuji Ueno Foundation
Yuyusai Sen Sosa
The 15th grandmaster of Omotesenke, Chairman, the Board of Directors, Fushin'an Foundation
President, OMOTESENKE Domonkai Association
Honorary Chief Librarian, Fushin'an Bunko Library
Ph.D. in Aesthetics
Jimyosai Sen Sotan
The 14th grandmaster of Omotesenke
Honorary Chairman of the Fushin'an Foundation
Honorary President of the OMOTESENKE Domonkai Association
Nobuyuki Mikimachi
Board of Directors, OMOTESENKE Domonkai Association
Permanent member, the Board of Directors, Fushin'an Foundation
Shigeo Yamada
Ambassador of Japan to the United States of America
Mikio Mori
Ambassador, Consulate General of Japan in New York
Chase Robinson
Dame Jillian Sackler Director of the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery and Freer Gallery of Art
Joshua W Walker, Ph. D
President& CEO, Japan Society
Events
Washington, DC
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
Commemorative Public Tea Ceremonies
National Press Club Building
529 14th St NW
Washington, DC 20045
A commemorative tea ceremony and public tea ceremony will be held at the National Press Club (NPC), one of the world's most prestigious and authoritative press clubs, as part of efforts to promote U.S.-Japan cultural exchange and to raise awareness of the Way of Tea.
Special Tea Ceremony and Banquet
hosted by Embassy of Japan and Omotesenke Domonkai Eastern Region USA
Embassy of Japan Tearoom "YuYu an"
This event, co-hosted by Japanese Ambassador to the United States Yamada and the Omotesenke Domonkai Eastern Region, is part of a diplomatic initiative aimed at strengthening Japan-U.S. relations and cultural exchange.
Distinguished guests from the political, economic, and cultural sectors will be invited, and the event will feature a tea presentation by Iemoto Yūyūsai, a lecture, and a dinner reception at the Ambassador’s residence.
Thursday March 13, 2025
Keynote Lecture by Iemoto Yuyusai (in English) and Special Chanoyu Exhibit
Library of Congress
101 Independence Ave SE
Washington, DC 20540
At the Library of Congress, which belongs to the legislative branch of the federal government, a special exhibition of The Way of Tea and Japanese artworks from the Library’s collection will be held as part of a Japanese cultural exhibition, co-hosted with the Omotesenke Domonkai Eastern Region USA.
Additionally, a special keynote lecture " (in English) will be delivered by the Iemoto Sōshō.
Furthermore, from Omotesenke, one hanging scroll inscribed by Yuyu-sai Iemoto Sen Sōsa, 15 photographs, and 34 books will be donated. A formal donation ceremony will take place following the lecture, officially adding these items to the Library of Congress collection.
Fund Raising Concert and Dinner, sponsored by Ryuji Ueno Foundation
Private home of Dr. Ryuji Ueno, Bethesda, Maryland
This event serves as a fundraising initiative for the 15th anniversary of the Eastern Region, primarily attended by Domonkai members and aimed at fostering through music.
Under the direction of Branch President Dr. Ueno, a special chamber orchestra concert and dinner will be held.
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Performance by an orchestra composed mainly of Branch Director Ueno’s students from Shenandoah Conservatory
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National anthems of Japan and the United States
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Works by Edvard Grieg and Ottorino Respighi
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Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 26 "Coronation" – First Movement
New York City
Sunday March 16, 2025
Commemorative Public Tea Ceremonies
Andaz 5th Avenue Hotel
485 5th Avenue, at E 41st St
New York, NY 10017
In New York City, a global center of art, culture, and business, a commemorative tea ceremony and public tea ceremony will be held at Hotel Andaz, located at 41st Street and Fifth Avenue in the heart of Manhattan. The hotel is owned by Takenaka Corporation.
Monday March 17, 2025
Celebration Banquet
Tavern On the Green
67th Street at Central Park West
New York, NY 10023
A 15th Anniversary Celebration dinner for Domonkai members attending the ceremony.
The event will feature a performance by a violinist and an oboe player supported by the Ueno Ryūji Foundation. A commemorative gift from Omotesenke is also planned to be presented.
Tuesday March 18, 2025
Tea Offering with Prayer for World Peace and Prayer Tea Ceremony by Iemoto Yuyu sai
Cathedral of St. John the Divine
1047 Amsterdam Ave
New York, NY 10025
As in the 2010 inaugural ceremony, a Kencha-shiki (tea offering ceremony) praying for world peace will be conducted by Iemoto Yūyūsai at the cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York. Following the ceremony, a Haifukuseki (tea serving) will be held in the cathedral.
List of Utensils
Event Participants
As we celebrate our 15th anniversary, we would like to express our deep appreciation to all the public organizations and citizens who have supported our activities over the years. We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to Omotesenke Fushinan and Omotesenke Domonkai for their extensive and sustained guidance and support.
The 15th anniversary commemorative events are made possible by the following organizations:
Host:
Omotesenke Domonkai Eastern Region, USA
Co-Host:
The Library of Congress, Washington, DC (the Special Exhibit of Teaware, Iemoto Yuyusai Sosho Keynote Lecture)
Sponsors:
Omotesenke Domonkai Hawaii
Omotesenke Domonkai Northern California
Omotesenke Domonkai Southern California
Auspices:
Japanese Embassy in the United States of America
S & Foundation
Fushin’an Foundation
OMOTESENKE Domonkai Association
Support
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Ryuji Ueno Foundation for hosting the Evening Concert and Dinner on March 13th, which resulted in the fundraising of about $35,000.
We would also like to acknowledge the organizations that have repeatedly worked with us to organize various outreach events and activities. We thank you for your continued cooperation and support. (Alphabetical order)
Eastern Region, USA Board and Officers
Board of Directors
Honorary Director
Yoshiyuki Mikimachi
Chair and President
Ryuji Ueno
Directors
Ryuichi Teshima
Isao Kumakura
Keiko Honda
Shuhei Uzuoka
Honorary Advisor
Sachiko Kuno
Executive Committee
Secretary General
Keiko Kitazawa
Treasurer
Shiho Nagaki
Assistant to Treasurer
Asako Maeda
Secretary
Izumi Fothergill
District Representatives
New York Metropolitan District
Eiko Tsuzuki
Washington, DC District
Hiroko Tamanaha
Florida District
Aiko Shimizu
Philadelphia District
Chizuko Hara
Seattle District
Kyoko Matsuda
Consultant
Hajime Nanahara
Special Council
Masako Koike
Chieko Mihori
District Special Council
Yasuko Hara
Eastern Region, USA 15th Anniversary Commemorative Events Steering Committee
Steering Committee Chair
Ryuji Ueno, President
Steering Committee Director
Keiko Kitazawa
Washington DC District Subcommittee
Director
Hiroko Tamanaha
Assistant to the Director
Yoko Quinn
Assistant to the Director
Shiho Nagaki
Member
Yasuko Despertte
New York District Subcommittee
Director
Eiko Tsuzuki
Assistant to the Director
Chizuko Hara
Assistant to the Director
Asako Maeda
Members
Saori Nakagawa
Kimiyo Soejima
Public Relations
Director
Izumi Fothergill
Assistant to the Director
Yuko Okamura
Web, SNS
James Fichera
Photography in New York
Aaron So
Event Assistants (in alphabetical order)
Edward Arcari
Yuko Puglisi
Sue Takasu
Tea Ceremony Assistants (in alphabetical order)
Naoko Arcari and the shachu members
Izumi Onishi and Koike shachu members
Keiko Kitazawa and the shachu members
Junko Nanahara and the shachu members
Kiyoko Heineken and the shachu members
Yasuko Hara and the shachu members
Kyoko Matsuda
Nobuko Manabe and the shachu members
Chieko Mihori and the shachu members
Kanako Yamashita and the shachu members
other Eastern Region, USA members