MEMBERSHIP

Besides Sydney, the Association has members in Canberra and the regions of New South Wales. Members have been sharing the art of chado since 1973. The Association now has over 80 chajin (enthusiasts), nearly half not of Japanese origin. Male and female members come from diverse backgrounds in terms of religion, nationality, age, and occupation.  

Sitting quietly, enjoying the utensils, the day and the season, with discipline in preparation and study, and most importantly, consideration of others, we find personal peace.  

The Association membership allows you to participate in member-only activities and to obtain certificates from the Chado Urasenke Tankokai head office in Kyoto, Japan. 

Association member-only activities include an Annual Chakai (tea gathering), an annual Members’ Chakai, seminars by gyotei masters (direct disciples of the Grand Master in Kyoto, Japan), Association study day, etc.

The Association runs in accordance with the governance standards of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission. Board members are elected at annual general meetings. The Annual Report for 2019/20 can be read here.

For enquiries regarding membership, please email info@urasenkesydney.org.au

Canberra Group tea demonstration at the Japanese Embassy (Friday 05 November )

The tea demonstration was part of a large reception with the theme “Sharing your experience of Japan”, in Japanese 日本の魅力発信. There were two sittings for the demonstration using misono tana provided by the Embassy. Many other implements were provided by the Embassy. 
The calligraphy on the kakejiku read “seiza ichimi no tomo” (清坐一味友)meaning when gathered in a sacred space (a tea room), friends become one by drinking tea made with the hot water from the same kettle. The sweets served on the day were otoshibumi (落とし文).
The main guests at the first sitting were Ambassador Yamagami and his wife. The main guests at the second sitting were the Canadian High Commissioner Glauser and his wife. 
Many members assisted with serving sweets and tea preparation under the direction of Kyoko sensei.

JAPANAROO 2021 PLUS – CHADO DEMONSTRATION by URASENKE SYDNEY in LEURA, Blue Mountains

Chado is a comprehensive form of Japanese culture. You learn not only the procedure of tea preparation but also about ceramics, lacquerware, metalware, flowers, cooking, calligraphy, poetry, etc. It is a lifetime achievement to master chado or a life is not long enough for it.

We will demonstrate a traditional tea ceremony and a workshop for our guests at RYO-AN the tea house in Leura, Blue Mountains.

It will be a special experience to try and learn how to make the green matcha tea with some seasonal Japanese sweets.

All the guests will also experience to visit Japanese garden and the Shrine from ISE-JINGU* at the top of the hill.

*ISE-JINGU     https://www.isejingu.or.jp/en/

Date: 12th December (Sunday)

Venue: Ryo-an, 19 Hartley Esplanade, Leura 2780

Time: 11:00 am – 2:30 pm

Program: 3 sessions (12 pax only per session)

                    [11:00 am/12:30 pm/13:30 pm]

Fee: $35/PP (Approximately 1 hour)

Includes;

      1.   Chado demonstration; with English explanations

      2.   Workshop; Learn and try to whisk green matcha tea

      3.   Enjoy a bowl of tea with Japanese sweets

Booking:     https://www.trybooking.com/BSXBR

Enquiry:       info@urasenkesydney.org.au

Website:     https://www.urasenkesydney.org.au

                     http://www.wildplantrescue.org.au

*Urasenke Sydney will donate the benefit from this event for local organization-Blue Mountains Wildplants Rescue Service Inc. as a charity organization.  

*Booking is essential (Ticket holders ONLY event)

*No children under 9 years old

*No barefoot, need to wear socks

*Need to be fully vaccinated and the proof will be required on arrival

Spring Annual Tea Gathering 2017

Tea Room in Bondi

・利休坐像画賛 ( sitting portrait of Rikyu and an excerpt from his mentor, Rev. Kokei) 
    written by Rev. Bunjou of Tofukuji-temple
・三ツ具足 ( trio of ceremonial utensils, vase, incense burner and candle stand )
・許状 ( certificates )
粽 掛花入 chimaki ( dumpling wrapped in banboo leaves ) -shaped hanging vase
露草 tsuyukusa (day flower ) and ユキノシタ yukinoshita ( strawberry geranium)
主菓子 omo-gashi ( main sweet ) in 菓子椀 kashi-wan ( individual sweet bowl )
「落とし文」otoshibumi 
  Otoshibumi literally means a dropped letter. There is an insect named Otoshibumi which lays eggs in a rolled leaf which looks like intentionally dropped love letter. It is like a western lady drops her handkerchief in front of a man whom she is in love.