Sen Sōshitsu XV facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sen Genshitsu XV
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Sen Sōshitsu XV (2007)
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| Iemoto of Urasenke | |
| In office 1964–2002 |
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| Preceded by | Sen Sōshitsu XIV |
| Succeeded by | Sen Sōshitsu XVI |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 19 April 1923 |
| Died | 14 August 2025 (aged 102) |
| Spouse | Tomiko |
| Children | 2 |
| Relatives | Masako Sen (daughter-in-law) |
Sen Sōshitsu XV (十五代千宗室, jū go dai sen sōshitsu, 19 April 1923 – 14 August 2025) was a very important leader, known as the 15th Grand Master, of the Urasenke school. This is one of the most famous schools for the Japanese tea ceremony. He led the school from 1964 to 2002.
In 1949, he received a special Zen Buddhist name, Hōunsai. After he retired, he took on a new name, Sen Genshitsu, and a special title, Daisōshō. This helped people tell him apart from his son, who became the next Grand Master. For more than 70 years, Dr. Sen Genshitsu traveled all over the world. He shared a simple but powerful message: that peace can be found through the quiet practice of the tea ceremony.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Sen Genshitsu was born in Kyoto, Japan, on April 19, 1923. He was the first son of the 14th Urasenke Grand Master, Sen Sōshitsu XIV. His mother was Kayoko. He had two older sisters, Yaeko and Yoshiko, and two younger brothers, Yoshiharu and Mitsuhiko.
His grandfather, the 13th Grand Master, gave him the name Masaoki when he was born. During World War II, Sen Masaoki joined the Japanese Navy's airforce division. He was assigned to a special air unit. However, because his family's history was so important, he was not sent on those missions. This allowed him to continue his family's long tradition.
After the war, he finished his studies at Doshisha University. He earned a degree in economics. In 1949, he took special Buddhist vows. He then received his Zen title, Hōunsai.
Global Work and Achievements
In 1950, Sen Genshitsu was confirmed as the future leader of Urasenke. He began traveling abroad to share his ideas about the tea ceremony. His first trip was to the United States, where he started working with the University of Hawaiʻi. In 1953, he became the president of Tankokai, a non-profit group for Urasenke members.
When his father passed away in 1964, he officially became the 15th Grand Master of Urasenke. Over the next few decades, he greatly helped the study of tea history and culture around the world. He earned a Ph.D. from Nankai University in 1991. He also received a Litt.D. from Chung-Ang University in 2008. In 1976, Seton Hall University gave him an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree.
Diplomatic and Leadership Roles
Beyond his work with Urasenke, Sen Genshitsu held many important positions. He served as the head of the Consulate of Peru in Kyoto as an honorary consul until his death. He was also an honorary consul for Portugal in Kyoto from 1969 to 1982. From 1982 to 1983, he was the honorary consul-general of Italy in Kyoto.
He was a director for Rotary International from 1988 to 1990. He also served as a trustee for the Rotary Foundation from 1998 to 2002. Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs appointed him as a Japan-U.N. Goodwill Ambassador in 2005. He also led several important organizations. These included the Rotary Japan Foundation and the United Nations Association of Japan. He was also president of the Kyoto City International Foundation.
In March 2012, the director-general of UNESCO named him a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador. In April 2017, he became an advisor to the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan.
Special Awards and Honors
In 1997, the Emperor of Japan, Akihito, honored him with the Order of Culture. This was a very special award. He was the first person in the world of chadō (the Way of Tea) to receive such an honor. In 2020, the French government gave him the Legion of Honour. He received the rank of Commander.
Family and Later Years
Sen Genshitsu was married to Tomiko, who passed away in 1999. In December 2002, his oldest son, Zabōsai, became the 16th head of Urasenke. His son took on the name Sōshitsu. At this time, Sen Sōshitsu XV stopped using the Sōshitsu name. He then used the name Sen Genshitsu and the honorary title Daisōshō. This title showed his position as a former Grand Master.
His son, Sōshitsu Sen XVI, is married to Masako Sen. She was born Princess Masako of Mikasa. She is the granddaughter of Emperor Taishō.
Sen Genshitsu celebrated his 100th birthday on April 19, 2023.
Sen Genshitsu died on August 14, 2025, at the age of 102.
