The Czech branch of Urasenke school

The Urasenke study group in the Czech Republic was founded 7 years ago - the latest of all the "post-communist" countries. However, the first contacts had been made long ago: the previous Grand Master Sen Soshitsu XV, apart from other things, initiated negotiations about the partnership between Prague and Kyoto. He supported a series of projects of cultural exchange between the Czech Republic and Japan and in 1991 was - as one of the leading figures of cultural and spiritual life - invited to the CSFR by the then president. This visit then became the beginning of regular study stays at the centre of the school in Kyoto.

After signing a contract on partnership between the cities of Prague and Kyoto in 1996, the Czech-Japanese information and cultural centre was set up thanks to understanding of the townhall of the city of Prague and the first traditional Japanese interiors were built. In spring, 2001 (after 5 years of unofficial activity) under the auspices of the CR president's wife Dagmar Havlova the Czech branch of the Japanese Urasenke foundation was established and since then its program has supported cultural and educational activities focusing on studying and promotion of the traditional Japanese culture and on international cultural cooperation.

The chairperson of the Czech branch is Mr Robert Janovsky.
The Czech study group holds regular study sessions twice a week for those interested in the Way of Tea and about 4 seminars a year with the participation of a Japanese Master. The Czech branch, in cooperation with the Czech-Japanese Association, Japanese Embassy in the CR and other Czech and Japanese subjects, organizes also many other events such as lectures, public presentations etc.