JCC E-Magazine September 2026

A group photo.
1st Row (L-R): Madam Ishikawa Yuko, H.E. Ishikawa Hiroshi, Ambassador of Japan to Singapore, Mr Kobori Sojitsu, the 13th Grand Master of the Enshu Sado School, Mrs Kobori Kimiko.
2nd Row (L-R): Mr Albert Chua, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms Patricia Lam, Mr Loh Khum Yean, Chairman of Maritime Port Authority of Singapore, Mrs Jennifer Loh, Mrs Chew Yan Lin, Mr Chew Hock Yong, Chairman of National Parks Board.

Ambassador Ishikawa Hiroshi hosted a tea ceremony on 20 August at his residence, with the presence of Mr Kobori Sojitsu, the 13th Grand Master of Enshu Sado School. The guests included Mr Albert Chua, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and his wife Ms Patricia Lam, Mr Loh Khum Yean, Chairman of Maritime Port Authority of Singapore, and his wife Mrs Jennifer Loh, and Mr Chew Hock Yong, Chairman of National Parks Board, and his wife Mrs Chew Yan Lin.

In a calm and serene atmosphere, the guests had the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Sado, the Japanese Way of Tea. The Grand Master explained in detail about the spiritual essence and history of Enshu Sado, and answered many questions raised by the guests. He also highlighted his handwritten scroll reading 古教照心 (kokyou shoushin), which is a saying from a Zen priest that expresses the importance of learning – the teachings from many years ago can still enlighten one’s heart.

First serving of tea to Ambassador Ishikawa Hiroshi		Mr Kobori Sojitsu, the 13th Grand Master of the Enshu Sado School, preparing tea for the guests
Serving tea to the guests		Mr Kobori Sojitsu, the 13th Grand Master of the Enshu Sado School, explaining about the Japanese Way of Tea
A hanging scroll inscribed with the Zen phrase “古教照心” by Grand Master Kobori graced the tokonoma (alcove).		Mr Kobori Sojitsu, the 13th Grand Master of the Enshu Sado School, answering questions from the guests
Ambassador Ishikawa Hiroshi, Mr Kobori Sojitsu, the 13th Grand Master of the Enshu Sado School, and Mr Albert Chua, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The two hanging scrolls on either side were brushed by Ambassador Ishikawa and feature his poems celebrating the flourishing and enduring Singapore–Japan relationship.		Mr Loh Khum Yean, Chairman of Maritime Port Authority of Singapore, Mr Kobori Sojitsu, the 13th Grand Master of the Enshu Sado School, and Mr Chew Hock Yong, Chairman of National Parks Board.

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