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 |
| Spouse | Tomiko |
| Children | 2 |
| Relatives | Masako Sen (daughter-in-law) |
Sen Sōshitsu XV (born April 19, 1923) is a very important person in the world of Japanese tea. He was the 15th Grand Master, or iemoto, of Urasenke. Urasenke is one of the most famous schools for the Japanese tea ceremony. He led the school from 1964 until 2002.
In 1949, he received a special Zen Buddhist name, Hōunsai. After he retired, he took on a new name, Sen Genshitsu. He also received the honorary title Daisōshō. This was to help people tell him apart from his son, who became the next Grand Master. For more than 70 years, Dr. Sen Genshitsu has traveled all over the world. He shares his message of "Peacefulness through a Bowl of Tea."
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Early Life and Education
Sen Genshitsu was born in Kyoto, Japan, on April 19, 1923. He was the first son of the 14th Grand Master of Urasenke. His parents were Mugensai and Kayoko. His birth was a happy event because he would one day take over the family's important role. He had two older sisters and two younger brothers.
His grandfather, who was the 13th Grand Master, gave him the name Masaoki. During World War II, Sen Masaoki joined the Japanese Navy air force. He was trained to be a kamikaze pilot. These pilots were meant to fly their planes into enemy targets. However, he was not allowed to go on such a mission. This was because his family's important tradition needed to continue. After the war, he studied at Doshisha University. He earned a degree in economics. He also became a Buddhist monk under a famous abbot. In 1949, he received his special Zen title, Hōunsai.
Spreading the Tea Ceremony
In 1950, Sen Genshitsu was confirmed as the future leader of Urasenke. He began traveling to share his ideas about tea. His first trip was to the United States. There, he started working with the University of Hawaiʻi. In 1953, he became the president of Tankokai. This is a non-profit group for Urasenke members.
When his father passed away in 1964, he officially became the 15th Grand Master. Over the years, he has helped many people learn about the history and culture of tea. He received special degrees for his studies. These included 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.
Important Roles and Awards
Sen Genshitsu has held many important positions outside of Urasenke. He is currently an honorary consul for Peru in Kyoto. This means he helps represent Peru in that city. He was also an honorary consul for Portugal and Italy in the past.
He was a director for Rotary International from 1988 to 1990. Rotary International is a global club that does good work in communities. Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs named him a Japan-U.N. Goodwill Ambassador in 2005. This role involves promoting good relations between Japan and the United Nations. He also led several other important organizations. These included the Rotary Japan Foundation and the United Nations Association of Japan. In 2012, he was named a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador. This role involves promoting education, science, and culture around the world. In 2017, he became an advisor to Japan's Minister for Foreign Affairs.
In 1997, the Emperor of Japan, Akihito, gave him the Order of Culture. This is one of Japan's highest honors. He was the first person in the world of chadō (the Way of Tea) to receive it. In 2020, the French government gave him the Legion of Honour. This is a very high award from France.
Family and Retirement
Sen Genshitsu was married to Tomiko, who passed away in 1999. In December 2002, his oldest son, Zabōsai, took over as the 16th head of Urasenke. His son also took on the name Sōshitsu. At that time, Sen Sōshitsu XV stopped using the Sōshitsu name. He began using the name Sen Genshitsu and the honorary title Daisōshō. This title shows that he is 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.
