We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our valued members and friends for their unwavering support and patience throughout our long journey to establish a permanent home for the East-West Chanoyu Center. In 2022, we leased a 570-square-foot suite within the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Washington (JCCCW). Despite several months of unexpected delays, the opportunity to honor our late member Lynn Sōrin Moser by reconstructing her 4.5-tatami-mat tearoom—and to secure an affordable commercial lease with JCCCW—has proven well worth the wait, both for us and, we hope, for you as well.The commencement of Phase One marked a significant milestone with the signing of a 5-year lease, extendable for an additional 5 years. Construction began in early September 2022, and included the elevation of all spaces (except the foyer), framing of the tea rooms and kitchen, construction of the storage attic, installation of plumbing and electricity, ceiling painting, wall plastering, flooring installation, and the partial installation of the 4.5-mat tearoom.

Looking ahead to Phase Two, with the rough carpentry now complete, a skilled finish woodworker will begin installing shoji doors and window coverings, finishing the tokonoma alcoves, installing the foyer riser surround, completing the tearoom ceilings, adjusting the sunken hearth locations, and applying paper wainscoting to the tearooms. To successfully complete this phase, we have received a private grant of $25,000 and secured a matching $25,000 grant from King County 4Culture.

As of January 2025, we have received a total of $98,000 in community donations and $33,000 in in-kind donations. We are thrilled to announce that King County 4Culture has awarded EWCC a grant of $45,825 through the 2022 Building for Equity: Cultural Facilities program, along with a second matching grant of $25,000 for 2025.

We are deeply grateful for the funding we have received and are encouraged by King County 4Culture’s recognition of the significance of Japan’s Tea Culture (Chanoyu) in creating meaningful cultural experiences for King County residents and visitors.

Should you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us via phone or in writing. We look forward to hearing from you and greatly appreciate your continued support!

We sincerely appreciate the generous support of King County 4Culture in ‘Building for Equity’ funding for the tearoom construction, as well as ‘Arts Sustained’ support for programs throughout the year.