About Yusuian
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Introduction
Yusuian is the name of a traditional Japanese tea room in Malibu, California. It was named by Madame Sosei Matsumoto, who was a pioneering leader of the Urasenke School of Tea in the United States. As one of the most influential and prolific tea masters, Mme. Matsumoto was awarded the Fifth Class of the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold and Silver Rays, by the Emperor of Japan in 1990, a National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts in 1994, as well as, many other commendations and awards.
“Yusuian” means a small space filled with calm, relaxing and refreshing air. “Yu” (裕) is from Soyu’s name, and means open, calm, enriched and abundant. “Sui” (翆) means transparent green, like jade, or the color of ocean on a beautiful spring day. Lastly, “an” (庵) is a small, humble room or house.
Yusuian provides a harmonious environment where nature and “Chado” come together, quieting our busy minds and bringing balance back into our souls.
The Founder, Soyu Uyesugi
Soyu Uyesugi was born and raised in Hiroshima, Japan. During her childhood, Soyu grew up in a traditional Japanese culture and environment.
Soyu has been studying at the Urasenke School of Tea under Mme. Matsumoto for more than thirty years. Her goal has been to share the teachings and experiences of Chado to students, as well as, its philosophy, beauty and enjoyment.
Soyu believes if everyone acts with a little kindness towards others, this world will be a better place to be. She founded the Yusuian Foundation, a non-profit organization, for charitable purposes, such as, to aid the victims of devastating natural disasters and to support disadvantaged children, especially those born with cleft lip and palete.
The Yusuian Foundation
The Yusuian Foundation is 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation organized and operated exclusively for charitable purposes. There are two main goals of the Yusuian Foundation.
The first goal is to introduce and promote “Chado” (Way of Tea). We intend to accomplish this first goal by performing and demonstrating the art of traditional Japanese tea ceremony at Yusuian, as well as, at local community centers located in and around Southern California in order to share the beauty and philosophy of Chado, which is often also referred to as a way of living in Japan. We will also hold classes to expand and explain the traditions, literature and share personal experiences of traditional Japanese tea ceremony.
The second goal of the Yusuian Foundation is to help the needy and support other charitable organizations. The Foundation contributes to organizations that aid victims of devastating natural disasters, such as the 2011 earthquake and tsunami victims in Fukushima, Japan. The Foundation also supports the organizations like Smile Train and the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, which help children born with cleft lip and palete by offering not only cleft surgery, but also providing related training for doctors and medical professionals. In recent years, the Foundation has been supporting the Budokan project in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles.
You may become a member by signing up for a tea class, or by simply donating. Please join the Yusuian Foundation and make a difference.
