JCC E-Magazine May 2016

(From left to right) Mrs Joy Balakrishnan, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Grand Master Dr Genshitsu Sen, H.E. President Tony Tan Keng Yam, Mrs Mary Tan, H.E. Ambassador Kenji Shinoda and Mrs Yuko Shinoda
(Photo from Dr Tony Tan's Facebook Page)

Dr Genshitsu Sen, 15th Generation Grand Master of Urasenke, conducted a Japanese Tea Ceremony Demonstration at the Istana on Thursday, 14th April 2016, as part of a series of commemorative events to mark SJ50 – the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Japan this year.

His Excellency Tony Tan Keng Yam – President of the Republic of Singapore and Mrs Mary Tan, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan – Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Singapore, and Mrs Joy Balakrishnan, together with His Excellency Ambassador Kenji Shinoda and Mrs Shinoda, as well as various representatives were present at the ceremony to witness the demonstration.

Guests enjoyed Japanese Matcha Tea prepared by Grand Master, as well as an explanation of the history, culture and etiquette of Chado - The Japanese Way of Tea, and the meaning of the scroll of calligraphy work 和敬静寂 – which means Harmony Respect Purity and Tranquility – that reflects Grand Master’s ethos in the Japanese Way of Tea. President Tony Tan also tried out tea making with Grand Master at the end of the demonstration.

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.

H.E. President Tony Tan tasting the tea

The Grand Master preparing tea for the guests		The Grand Master explaning about Chado to the guests
The Grand Master with H.E. President Tony Tan and Mrs Tan		H.E. Ambassador Kenji Shinoda and Mrs Yuko Shinoda with H.E. President Tony Tan

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