Hatsugama - 2026

Happy New Year.

We were delighted to begin this year with wonderful news: a certificate of commendation presented to us by Consul General Kotaro Otsuki of the Consulate-General of Japan in San Francisco. As our Northern California Chapter marks its 56th year, Consul General Otsuki recognized our contributions to mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and t-he State of California. Receiving this honor so early in the new year has renewed our members’ shared determination to continue our activities with even greater dedication.

Following the commendation ceremony, Consul General Otsuki and Consul Hagiwara joined us as honored guests at our Hatsugama (first tea gathering of the year).

With new members joining, the Northern California Chapter continues to grow more vibrant than ever. As this is a Year of the Fire Horse (Hinoeuma), traditionally associated with strength and dynamic energy, we hope it will be a powerful and spirited year for all of us. We wish each of you continued health and happiness in the year ahead.

Two men in suits holding a framed certificate and smiling, in a traditional Japanese room.
People sitting on tatami mats in traditional Japanese attire during a cultural ceremony in a wooden room.
A group of people dressed in traditional Japanese kimonos are sitting on a tearoom , participating in a tea gathering.
Traditional Japanese tea room with tatami mats, a hanging scroll with Japanese calligraphy, and a small alcove with a new year's display.
Two individuals participating in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony sitting on tatami mats, with one preparing tea and the other observing.
A kogo (insence box) featuring a horse.
A traditional Japanese tea ceremony taking place in a tatami room, with women in kimonos seated on the floor, and a host preparing tea in front of a small group.
Women dressed in traditional Japanese kimonos participating in a tea ceremony in a tatami room, with some women sitting on their knees and others observing, inside a Japanese tearoom.
Group of people, some in traditional Japanese kimonos, seated on tatami mats in a tearoom with wooden interior and shoji screens.
A traditional Japanese tea ceremony taking place in a tatami room with participants seated on the floor, dressed in kimonos, as a host prepares tea.

２０２５年（令和７年）　初釜

新年あけましておめでとうございます。

北加支部の初釜は、１月5日に開催されました。お茶席には日本国領事館より大隈総領事と有村領事をお迎えし、一層の格式が添えられました。

恒例のくじ引きは昼食時に行われ、会場は歓声と笑顔に包まれました。新春にふさわしい、和やかで賑やかなひとときとなり、楽しい一年の幕開けを皆で祝いました。

Traditional Japanese tea room with tatami mats, a scroll hanging on the wall, and a small alcove.
People in traditional Japanese kimonos and suits sitting on tatami mats during a tea ceremony in a Japanese room with wooden details and hanging scrolls.
People participating in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony in a tatami room.
A person in traditional Japanese attire sitting on tatami mats, holding a wooden ladle over a tea ceremony setup that includes teapots, bowls, and decorative fans in the background.
Traditional Japanese room with tatami mats, a hanging scroll with calligraphy, and a small window with a lattice design
A group of people sitting on tatami mats in a traditional Japanese room, participating in a ceremonial presentation where one person is handing an object to another, with a calligraphy scroll hanging on the wall behind them.