Our Story

Spirit of chanoyu, perfected by Sen no Rikyu, has been handed down through generations at Omotesenke Fushin-an for over 400 years. The tradition being inherited is not just about the form; it is a dynamic cultural legacy constantly infused with the spirit of the era by each generation.

Omotesenke, being the main family line that carries on the tradition of Rikyu’s chanoyu, authentically preserves that tradition and seeks to pass down to the future generations the beauty and spirit of Japan through constant pursuit of chanoyu that reflects the zeitgeist of the time.

Omotesenke Domonkai is the association of the practitioners of chanoyu following the traditions of Omotesenke Fushin-an and was established with the objective of promoting it. It is engaged in various activities with a view to further developing and promoting chanoyu culture such as workshops for the members to deepen their understanding and techniques, social events bringing practitioners closer together, and international good will events. Omotesenke Domonkai today has total of 57 chapters in Japan and overseas with over sixteen thousand members, of whom more than fifteen hundred live outside Japan, contributing to the cultural exchange through bringing chanoyu closer to people around the world in 25 countries.

Omotesenke Domonkai Eastern Region USA was established in June, 2010 as the fourth chapter outside of Japan, following those based in Hawaii, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. New York, Washington,D.C., Florida are some of the main centers of its activities. It started with about 90 members but it has 215 members as of December, 2018. On the occasion of the chapter’s establishment, Dr.Ryuji Ueno, the president of the branch, indicated that the chapter would operate in close coordination with the Fushin-an, the center of Omotesenke activities and Mr.Sen Soin, who has since become Yuyusai Sen Sosa, the 15th Iemoto of Omotesenke, expressed his hope that the chapter’s work would serve as a bridge between Japan and the United States and bring the two peoples closer. With a view to meeting these expectations, the chapter will seek to meet the local interests and needs and continue to improve on its activities.

2010

The first Study Session held by Omotesenke Domonkai Eastern Region USA at New York Athletic Club.

A study Session is a lesson and a lecture for the members of the Omotesenke Domonkai given by an professor/instructor delegated by the headquarters, Fushin-an. It is continued to be held annually at a location among New York, Washington DC, Florida, or Pennsylvania.

2011

Tea Ceremony Demonstrations for the General Public Organized by local units under the chapter started this year. The events can be attended by even small children, and they are important opportunities to present Chanoyu’s attractions to people who experience it for the first time.

2011

2018

Seattle Special Distric and Philadelphia Special Distric were created to promote Chanoyu of Omotesenke in a broad perspective regardless of the geographical division.

Tea ceremony demonstrations for the general public are continued to be held annually at places such as: The Place 229 in New York, Shofuso Japanese House in Philadelphia, Freer Gallery of Art in Washington DC, Morikami Museum in Florida, Seattle Japanese Garden, Seattle Art Museum, embassies, and private clubs.