[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 87 (Thursday, June 16, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1113]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST URASENKE TEA GROUP CEREMONY IN 
                           THE UNITED STATES

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                        HON. COLLEEN W. HANABUSA

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 16, 2011

  Ms. HANABUSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 60th anniversary 
of the first Urasenke Tea Group ceremony in Hawaii, and the first such 
ceremony held in the United States. This traditional ceremony was 
brought to the U.S. by Dr. Genshitsu Sen, who has sought to promote 
peace and cultural understanding throughout the globe. Dr. Sen returned 
from service in World War II, making a personal vow to promote 
``Peacefulness through a Bowl of Tea.'' He is an heir to a family whose 
leadership in the tradition of the Japanese Way of Tea, or chado, dates 
back 15 generations to the 16th century.
   While Honolulu was the site of the first Urasenke Tea ceremony in 
the country, this centuries-old Japanese tradition has extended around 
the world, fostering international goodwill through cultural exchange. 
Urasenke tea groups have been established in 33 U.S. locations and in 
49 countries. Dr. Sen has conducted this ceremony for world leaders and 
has helped to establish and teach college courses on the tradition of 
chado. He has led ceremonies at the United Nations, the U.S. Naval 
Academy and even for members of this esteemed body here on Capitol 
Hill.
   Mr. Speaker, this occasion will be marked by a tea ceremony on the 
USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, a most fitting location for this 
solemn tradition which is founded on the principles of harmony, 
respect, purity and tranquility.
   I call attention to this significant anniversary, and the ceremony 
marking the occasion, in the spirit of cultural understanding and 
building bonds of goodwill.

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