Former First Lady Jean Ariyoshi will be honored at a dinner event to benefit the Urasenke Foundation of Hawai‘i at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i, Generations Ballroom, 2454 S. Beretania Street, in Honolulu on Thursday, July 24, 2025.

The event is being organized by Yushinkai, a group of Hawai‘i women who share a common interest in Chadō, the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Former First Lady Jean Ariyoshi
formed the group more than 36 years ago. Yushinkai, which means “a group of ladies with heart,” was named by 15th generation Grand Tea Master Dr. Genshitsu Sen, who will be traveling from Kyoto, Japan, to attend this event.

Urasenke is one of the three main schools of Japanese tea ceremony that began in the 16th century.

“We’re holding this ʻarigatoʻ event to thank Mrs. Ariyoshi for her years of dedicated service to strengthen the relationship between Japan and the U.S. through the Way of Tea,” said Elizabeth Keith, one of Yushinkai’s long-standing members. “For nearly 40 years, Mrs. Ariyoshi has led Yushinkai to present tea ceremonies at ‘Iolani Palace, Bishop Museum, and the Arizona Memorial, and our gift to the Urasenke Foundation of Hawai‘i helps ensure the important message of peace continues today.”

In November 2023, Ariyoshi was only one of five non-Japanese citizens to be honored with the distinguished Urasenke “Culture Award” in Japan.

The dinner program will include performances from the “Peace on Your Wings” ‘Ohana Arts Youth Theater Company and a silent auction, featuring Mrs. Ariyoshi’s personal one-of-a-kind items and other unique Japanese gifts. All proceeds from this event will be donated to the Uranseke Foundation of Hawaii, a 501(c)(3) organization.