Sen Sōshitsu XV facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sen Sōshitsu 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, also known as Sen Genshitsu, is a very important person in the world of Japanese tea ceremony. He was the 15th Grand Master, or iemoto, of Urasenke. This is one of the most famous schools for learning the Japanese tea ceremony. He led the Urasenke school from 1964 to 2002.
After he retired, he took the name Sen Genshitsu. He also received the special title of Daisōshō. For more than 70 years, Dr. Sen Genshitsu has traveled all over the world. He shares a special message: "Peacefulness through a Bowl of Tea." This means that even a simple cup of tea can bring peace.
His Early Life
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. They already had two daughters before he was born. Everyone was very happy when their first son arrived. Later, he had two more 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. However, he was not allowed to fly these missions. This was to make sure that his family's long history would continue.
After the war, he went to Doshisha University. He studied economics there. He also took Buddhist vows and received the Zen title Hōunsai in 1949.
Spreading Tea Culture
In 1950, he was confirmed as the next leader of Urasenke. He began traveling abroad 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 group for members of Urasenke.
When his father passed away in 1964, he officially became the 15th Grand Master. Over the next few decades, he helped many people around the world learn about tea. 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.
Important Awards and Roles
Beyond his work with Urasenke, he has held many important positions. He is the head of the Consulate of Peru in Kyoto. He also served as an honorary consul for Portugal and Italy in Kyoto.
He was a director for Rotary International from 1988 to 1990. He also served as a trustee for the Rotary Foundation. In 2005, Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs named him a Japan-U.N. Goodwill Ambassador. He has also been the chairman of the Rotary Japan Foundation. He led the United Nations Association of Japan.
In March 2012, UNESCO named him a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador. In April 2017, he became an advisor to the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan.
In 1997, the Emperor of Japan, Akihito, gave him the Order of Culture. This was a very special honor. He was the first person in the world of chadō (tea ceremony) to receive it. In 2020, the French government awarded him the Legion of Honour.
Family and Later Life
His wife was Tomiko. In December 2002, his oldest son, Zabōsai, became the 16th head of Urasenke. He took on the name Sōshitsu. At this time, Sen Sōshitsu XV stopped using the Sōshitsu name himself. He began using the name Sen Genshitsu. He also received 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.
