TANKO

Grand Master Hōunsai Attends the “Tower Tea Ceremony”

On September 26, a tea gathering entitled “Tower Tea Ceremony” was held at Tokyo Tower in Minato, Tokyo. The event was attended by Grand Master Hōunsai, Sōyū Ōtani, and many other invited guests.

Grand Master Hōunsai had a deep and longstanding connection with the late Kyūkichi Maeda, the founder of Tokyo Tower. The tea room named “Mushai,” which once stood at the foot of the tower and belonged to Mr. Maeda, was personally inscribed by the Grand Master approximately 50 years ago. For this occasion, a reproduction of the plaque bearing the name “Mushai” was displayed at the tea gathering held on the Main Deck, 150 meters above the ground.

At 9:30 a.m., the Grand Master entered the tea room and admired the carefully selected arrangement of tea utensils, which included a tea scoop by Furuta Oribe, formerly in the collection of Kyūkichi Maeda, together with utensils by contemporary artists. Naka Maeda, President of Tokyo Tower, served as host. As he recalled his memories of Kyūkichi Maeda, the Grand Master enjoyed a bowl of tea prepared for him.

After the tea gathering, the Grand Master also ascended to the Top Deck, located 250 meters above the ground, where he thoroughly enjoyed the panoramic view of Tokyo.

Photo caption
Grand Master Hōunsai enjoying a bowl of tea at the “Tower Tea Ceremony.”