JCC E-Magazine May 2016

Dr Genshitsu Sen preparing matcha tea for Tea Dedication Ceremony

Dr Genshitsu Sen, 15th Generation Grand Master of Urasenke, conducted a Ritual Tea Dedication and Tea Sharing in prayer of world peace and the continuing friendship between Singapore and Japan in light of SJ50 (50th Anniversary of Singpore-Japan Diplomatic Relations) on Wednesday, 13th April 2016 at Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM). Co-organised by Embassy of Japan in Singapore – Japan Creative Centre (JCC), Chado Urasenke and ACM, the ceremony saw an overwhelming response with close to 200 guests attended.

Mr S R Nathan, Former President of Singapore, graced as the Guest-of-Honour with H.E. Ambassador Kenji Shinoda. The ceremony started off with a solo soprano performance of the national anthems of Singapore and Japan, following which were speeches by H.E. Kenji Shinoda and Mr Nathan. Grand Master then prepared a bowl of matcha tea solemnly on stage and proceeded to perform the Tea Dedication Ceremony (kencha-shiki), where he offered the tea to the national flags of both countries and a scroll that reads heiwa-kinen, or peace prayer.

Dr Genshitsu Sen offering matcha tea in prayer of world peace and SJ50

Invited guests on stage at the Tea Sharing in Harmony

Next was the Tea Sharing in Harmony (wago-no-chakai), where invited guests shared thick matcha tea (koicha) prepared by Grand Master on the stage. Presented by Yamamoto Gyotei, Chanoyu Instructor of Urasenke, they were Mr S R Nathan, H.E. Ambassador Kenji Shinoda, Mrs Yuko Shinoda, Ms Yeoh Chee Yan – Permanent Secretary of MCCY, Mr Yeo Whee Jim – Senior Director, Arts and Heritage Division of MCCY, Ms Wee Mei Yi – Asian Civilisations Museum, Mr Leng Tshua – Chief Executive Officer of Singapore Art Museum, Ms Peggy Loh – President of Ikebana International Singapore Chapter, Mr Freddie Ang – President of Chado Urasenke Tankokai Singapore Association and Mrs Freddie Ang.

Grand Master then conducted a special lecture where he spoke about the Japanese Way of Tea – its history, principles and etiquettes, while members of the Chado Urasenke Tankokai Singapore Association performed the demonstration on the stage. Towards the end, all the guests were served and had the opportunity to taste the Japanese sweets and thin matcha tea (usucha). Grand Master was on a 4-day visit to Singapore as part of his efforts to share ‘Peacefulness through a Bowl of Tea’ especially at the year of SJ50.

Dr Genshitsu Sen presenting a special Tea Lecture and Demonstration

Yamamoto Gyotei, Chanoyu Instructor of Urasenke, offering thick matcha tea to Mr S R Nathan at the Tea Sharing in Harmony		H.E. Ambassador Kenji Shinoda tasting thick matcha tea at the Tea Sharing in Harmony
H.E. Ambassador Kenji Shinoda giving a welcoming remark at the event		Guest-of-Honour Mr S R Nathan saying a few words at the event
Dr Genshitsu Sen greeting Mr S R Nathan at the event		H.E. Ambassador Kenji Shinoda with Mr S R Nathan at the event
Dr Genshitsu Sen presenting a special Tea Lecture and Demonstration		Members of Chado Urasenke Tankokai Singapore Association performing Tea Demonstration during the Lecture
H.E. Ambassador Kenji Shinoda and Mrs Yuko Shinoda tasting thin matcha tea with all the guests		Dr Genshitsu Sen during an interview with the media

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2016 will mark the 50th Anniversary of Singapore-Japan Diplomatic Relations