Renovate the Shoseian Teahouse in Glendale, CA

GIFTS OF GRATITUDE FOR YOUR DONATIONS ARE DESCRIBED BELOW  |  THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

Dear Community Members, Friends and Supporters:

The Shoseian Teahouse was built in 1974 through the combined efforts of the Sister Cities of Glendale and Higashi-Osaka, Japan. It is one of the few traditional Japanese Teahouses open to the public in the United States. Our non-profit volunteer group, Friends of Shoseian, hosts monthly cultural events and traditional Japanese tea ceremonies (known as Chanoyu or Chado) at Shoseian and the Japanese Friendship Garden, which are located in the historic Brand Park of Glendale, California.

Before picture:


We have recently partnered with the Japan Foundation to help fund the much needed renovation of this teahouse. Currently under construction, we were able to raise $169,250 from the Japan Foundation to upgrade the Mizuya (traditional prep kitchen), Chashitsu (traditional tea room) and the Hall (where we can host additional ceremonies, cultural lectures, art & artifact displays, etc.). Expert, traditional carpenters are performing the work – Kaz Okuda of OKUDA Ko-Mu-Ten and Toshi Kawabata of Barrban Woodworks.

During Construction:


WE ARE IN NEED OF AN ADDITIONAL $18,000 TO COMPLETE THE RENOVATIONS AND PROCURE THE FURNITURE FOR EVENTS.

$6,000                Juraku (traditional wall plaster)
$8,000                Wood Paneling (to replace the original, worn paneling with new, hand-planed Hemlock)
$1,860                Wood Material for Viewing Benches (walnut species; custom bench construction is being donated by Chris Peplow of Glendale)
$2,140                Miso-no-dana (traditional table for a seated-style ceremony)
$_____                   All donations received beyond the total needed will go directly towards additional procurement of utensils and furnishings, facility improvements and monthly cultural events.

Rendering of After Construction:


FOR YOUR MUCH APPRECIATED FINANCIAL SUPPORT, WE THANK YOU WITH THE FOLLOWING GIFTS:

$1+                       All donations will receive a thank you card with origami peace crane
$200+                 Donations at this level will receive permanent name recognition on our website (new website currently under construction)
$500+                 A gift basket including specially-crafted tea utensils will be given to all donors at this level, plus all previously listed gifts
$1,000+             These donors will receive a private tea ceremony for 6 guests inside the completed Shoseian Teahouse and all previously listed gifts

 The Japanese Friendship Garden was recently renovated with the support of the Japan Foundation and by traditional landscape artists from Japan:


The Teahouse, which was designed by architect Hayahiko Takase, is a unique blending of western and eastern design and an apt expression of the spirit of cross-cultural community. • Nestled at the foot of the Verdugo Mountains beside a koi pond in a charming Japanese-style garden setting, the Teahouse is in a unique position to outreach to the community of Glendale and greater Los Angeles. • The Japanese Friendship Garden surrounding the Teahouse is available for weddings and other special events. HISTORY • The Teahouse represents the spirit of goodwill, lasting peace and friendship between the people of Japan and the United States. • Given the name "Shoseian" or "Whispering Pine Teahouse" by Genshitsu Sen, the Fifteenth Grand Tea Master of the Urasenke School of Tea in Japan, the Teahouse is designated an official Tearoom. Dr.Yamazaki of Higashi-Osaka provided initial support for the Teahouse and Gardens. • Through recent cooperative efforts by the City of Glendale and Friends of Shoseian, the Teahouse was refurbished and designated as Glendale Register of Historic Resources #46.



THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY! WE HOPE TO SEE YOU AT OUR SAKURA MATSURI FESTIVAL ON MARCH 17, 2019!!