The Tea Club of the University of Hawaiʻi Mānoa hosted Hatsudate Shiki (first of the year tea ceremony) took place on January 26, 2025 (Sunday) at the Jaku’an Tea House on UH Mānoa campus. 

Among the distinguished guests from the Center for Japanese Studies included our former University of Hawaiʻi President David Lassner and Hawaiʻi State Representative Andrew Takuya Garrett. Also in attendance were guests from the East-West Center, including Associate Dean of Education Kanika Mak-Lavy.

The Hatsudate Shiki was hosted by the UHM Way of Tea Club. They held four sessions: two in Japanese and two in English. The tea and meal were so meticulously prepared, incorporating elements of the Year of the Snake. We extend our sincere gratitude to Akiko-sensei and the Way of Tea Club for their hospitality and dedicated efforts in making the event a success.