The Emperor’s Birthday Reception in Seattle

On March 5, 2026, the Seattle Special District had the honor of presenting Chanoyu at the Emperor’s Birthday Reception held at the Official Residence of the Consul General of Japan in Seattle.

Hosted by Consul General Makoto Iyori and Mrs. Iyori, the reception welcomed approximately 170 guests, including Washington State and local government officials, members of the U.S. military, consuls representing several countries, and leaders from the business, academic, and cultural communities.

Following opening remarks by Consul General Iyori, a video message from Washington State Governor Bob Ferguson was presented. Rear Admiral Jonathan Townsend, Commander of Navy Region Northwest, delivered remarks, followed by a toast by Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs.

For the occasion, the Seattle Special District transformed a room in the residence annex into a temporary tea room with tatami and welcomed guests for three Chanoyu gatherings. In the entrance and waiting area, a calligraphy of Wa-Kei-Sei-Jaku — Harmony, Respect, Purity, and Tranquility — by the Grand Master of Omotesenke was displayed. In the tea room alcove, Ichigo Ichie — “one time, one meeting” — by the Head Priest of Daitoku-ji welcomed our guests.

During each gathering, guests were introduced to the spirit of Chanoyu, observed the preparation of tea, and were served a Japanese sweet and a bowl of matcha. Among those joining us were military leaders, consuls representing several countries, and representatives of organizations and companies with close ties to Japan.

Sharing a bowl of tea created a warm and peaceful moment in which people of different cultures, backgrounds, and positions could simply meet one another through the spirit of Chanoyu.

It was especially meaningful for the Seattle Special District to have the opportunity to share the way of tea at such a distinguished occasion and to experience how a single bowl of tea can gently bring people together.

We extend our sincere appreciation to the Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle for this precious opportunity, and to all members of our tea community whose dedication and teamwork made the gatherings possible.

With heartfelt gratitude for the spirit of Ichigo Ichie and the connections created through this special gathering.

天皇誕生日祝賀会・シアトル特別地区

2026年3月5日、在シアトル日本国総領事公邸にて開催された天皇誕生日祝賀レセプションにおいて、シアトル特別地区が呈茶を務めました。

当日は、伊従誠総領事ご夫妻のもと、ワシントン州政府・自治体関係者、米軍関係者、各国領事、企業・学術・文化関係者など、約170名が出席されました。

レセプションでは、伊従総領事のご挨拶に続き、ワシントン州知事 Bob Ferguson 氏からのビデオメッセージ、Navy Region Northwest司令官 Rear Admiral Jonathan Townsend 氏のご挨拶、ワシントン州務長官 Steve Hobbs 氏による乾杯が行われました。

シアトル特別地区では、公邸別館の一室に畳を敷き、茶室を設えて三席の呈茶を行いました。入口兼待合には表千家お家元のお墨染「和敬清寂」、茶席の床には大徳寺管長のお墨染「一期一会」を掛け、季節の趣を添えて皆様をお迎えしました。

各席では、茶の湯についての簡単なご紹介とともにお点前をご覧いただき、お菓子と一碗のお茶をお楽しみいただきました。司令官をはじめ、米軍関係者、各国領事、また日本と関わりの深い企業や各機関の皆様にもご参加いただき、国や文化、立場を越えて、一碗のお茶を囲む和やかなひとときとなりました。

格式ある祝賀の場において、茶の湯を通して人と人が出会い、心を通わせる機会をいただけましたことは、シアトル特別地区にとりましても大変意義深いものとなりました。

このような貴重な機会を賜りました在シアトル日本国総領事館の皆様、そして茶席を支えてくださった社中の皆様に、心より感謝申し上げます。

一期一会のご縁に、心より感謝し