Omotesenke Domonkai Autumn Tea Gathering: The Koicha seki was hosted by the Sachiko Okazoe Shachu group at Miyako Hybrid Hotel in Torrance, October 26, 2025. (Photo Courtesy of Omotesenke Domonkai)
Updated by Shige Higashi on December 5, 2025 at 2PM / November 15, 2025
Torrance, CA—Under a gently overcast autumn sky on Sunday, October 26, 2025, the Omotesenke Domonkai Southern California Region welcomed approximately 100 guests to its Annual Autumn Friendship Tea Gathering at the Miyako Hybrid Hotel in Torrance. The event brought together members, families, and friends for a day marked by serenity and camaraderie.
The gathering featured two main tea rooms. The Koicha seki (main tea room), hosted by the Sachiko Okazoe Shachu group, showcased utensils and décor that beautifully captured the essence of autumn. Guests were invited to appreciate the seasonal arrangements and the graceful tea preparation, which fostered a tranquil atmosphere throughout the room.
Omotesenke Domonkai Autumn Tea Gathering: the Usucha room was led by the Yoshiko Ponchar Shachu group at Miyako Hybrid Hotel in Torrance, October 26, 2025. (Photo Courtesy of Omotesenke Domonkai)
Meanwhile, the Usucha (thin tea) room, led by the Yoshiko Ponchar Shachu group, offered a unique experience with tea prepared on a single tatami mat. The intimate setting encouraged deep attentiveness among guests, who also enjoyed elegant autumn floral displays and a detailed tea record (Chakaiki) explaining the seasonal inspiration behind the utensils.
Both morning and afternoon sessions were fully booked, drawing participants from first-time attendees to long-standing members. The meal (Tenshin) room buzzed with lively conversation and warm smiles, highlighting the special bonds fostered by the way of tea.
As interest in Japanese culture continues to grow globally, guests listened attentively to explanations about tea etiquette, the meaning of utensils, and the seasonal themes. The event reinforced Omotesenke Domonkai’s commitment to sharing authentic Japanese cultural experiences and the spirit of “Omotenashi”—the heart of Japanese hospitality.
The chapter looks forward to welcoming more people to future gatherings. For updates and information, visit the Omotesenke Domonkai Southern California Region website or follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
Website: https://www.omotesenke-socal.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omotesenke.socal
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/omotesenke.socal.official
Omotesenke Domonkai Autumn Tea Gathering: The entrance was adorned with elegant autumn flowers, and a detailed tea record (Chakaiki) was displayed, allowing guests to learn about the utensils and the seasonal inspiration behind them. (Photo courtesy of Omotesenke Domonkai)
お道具 右手より：
茶入 — 信楽焼。銘「好日」。上田直方 作。而妙斎宗匠が家元ご在任中の花押を伴う。
茶杓 — 銘「秋の聲」。尋牛斎宗匠の書付。
仕服 — 江戸 和久田金襴。
茶碗（主茶碗） — 赤楽茶碗。銘「佳日」。九代了入 作（江戸時代）。宗旦宗匠の花押あり。
茶碗（替え茶碗） — 萩焼。十五代 坂倉新兵衛 作。一五代の最後の作品と言われる。
Tea Ceremony Tool, from right:
Tea caddy — Shigaraki ware, titled Kōjitsu (“A Good Day”.) Crafted by Naokata Ueda, accompanied by the seal of Jimyōsai Sosho (Grand Master) during his tenure.
Tea scoop — Titled “Aki no Koe” (“Voice of Autumn”), with inscription by Jingyūsai Sosho (Grand Master).
Silk pouch — Edo Wakuda kinran brocade.
Tea bowl (primary bowl) — Red Raku tea bowl titled Kajitsu (“A Fine Day”.) Crafted by the ninth-generation Ryōnyū in the Edo period, bearing the seal of Sōtan Shosho (Grand Master) .
Tea bowl (alternate bowl) — Hagi ware. Crafted by the fifteenth-generation Shinbei Sakakura, said to be his final work.
