Kathy Harris
Kathy Harris (nee Kiyomi Tonogai) has been a student of Chado since the classes first started in Victoria in 2002. As a Nisei born in the relocation camp, Tashme BC, Japanese traditions were unfamiliar and not practiced or understood as most post war families tried to assimilate wherever they were relocated. Raised in Winnipeg and returning to BC over 20 years ago, studying Chado was an opportunity to learn a bit about “being” Japanese and to follow the four principles of Chado, Wa, Kei, Sei, Jaku which means Harmony, Respect, Purity, and Tranquillity. Since retiring from the University of Victoria, most of her time is spent volunteering at the Royal BC Museum, Craigdarroch Castle, University of Victoria Retirees Association, and with the Urasenke Tankokai Victoria Association learning and sharing the Chado tradition with others.
Updated October 2016
Stories from This Author
Hansen–Takata Wedding: The Japanese Garden at the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific
Oct. 24, 2016 • Kathy Harris
In July, at the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific, a very special marriage took place in the bonsai garden. Dillon Takata, descendant of the founder of the Takata Japanese Gardens married Lisa Hansen. The Urasenke Tankokai Victoria Association1 was pleased and excited to perform the traditional Japanese tea ceremony for Dillon, his parents, grandparents, and guests prior to the wedding ceremony. The following is a presentation by Dillon’s father, David Takata, describing how the gardens came into existence. * * …
