On August 9, 2025, the New York Chanoyu Center held the annual Family Tea Gathering, which was filled with warmth and anticipation as 65 guests arrived. Held across three usucha (thin tea) sessions. The event invited families and friends of Tea Ceremony Association members to experience the quiet joy of chanoyu firsthand.

Before the ceremony, guests were invited to view the roji from the tea room and were guided through its layout and meaning. A demonstration of the formal entry into the tea room from matcha offered a glimpse into the quiet choreography that sets the tone for the experience.

Inside the tea room, the alcove featured a hanging scroll with the phrase “Ichigo Ichie”, a gentle reminder of the fleeting beauty of shared moments. A flat mizusashi from Kyoto Iga ware added a rustic elegance to the setting, grounding the space with its earthy charm.

Usucha was served using summer-themed flat tea bowls adorned with designs such as dew grass and grape vines. Guests enjoyed dry sweets shaped in moons, bellflowers, and playful ⚫️▲◾️forms, adding a touch of whimsy to the refined atmosphere.

Guests who asked thoughtful questions and showed genuine curiosity. Children brought a　joyful energy to the room, some sipping matcha with impressive focus and grace. It was a　heartwarming sight that made the day feel even more special.