Over 60 people joined us on April 30, 2017 at the Pike Place Atrium Suites to enjoy delicious bento, refreshing sake, magnificent kimono, and inspiring tea.

Cedar River Brewing Company brought a fine selection of their locally brewed sake for guests to sample after they registered.

After tasting some sake and admiring the displays from Kimono Art and Chado Urasenke Tankokai Seattle Association, everyone sat down to a beautifully prepared cha-kaseiki bento.

Chef Hiro Tawara of WA’S Kitchen explained the different components of the meal he had created for us to enjoy.

After lunch, Keiko Tanaka-sensei of the Urasenke Chado Tankokai Seattle Association gave a presentation about cha-ji, the formal tea gathering that includes sake, tea, and food. While she was presenting, members of the Urasenke Chado Tankokai Seattle Association brought usucha green tea and Japanese sweets to the lucky guests who won a lottery.

After learning about the different courses of the cha-ji, Yu Ugawa-sensei of Kimono Art gave a lecture about the manners and etiquette of wearing kimono to a tea ceremony. Models from Kimono Art showcased different kimono in a gorgeous fashion show.

We would like to thank Chef Tawara, Tanaka-sensei, Ugawa-sensei, Cedar River Brewing Company, the volunteers from Urasenke Chado Tankokai Seattle Association, Kimono Art, our sponsors Ito En and Distant Lands Coffee, and everyone who came!

Please see our facebook for more pictures!

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