Renowned Japanese tea master Sen Genshitsu, aged 102, has passed away according to news reports.
Sen Sōshitsu XV: The "Flying Grand Master" of Peacefulness through a Bowl of Tea
Sen Sōshitsu XV, also known as Sen Genshitsu after his retirement, was a Kyoto-born individual who dedicated his life to promoting peace through the ancient Urasenke tea tradition rituals. As the 15th-generation Grand Master of the Urasenke school, Sen traveled worldwide for over seven decades, advocating for "Peacefulness through a Bowl of Tea."
Born in 1923, Sen underwent training to become a kamikaze pilot during World War II, but the war ended before he had to carry out a suicidal mission. This wartime experience significantly influenced his views on the importance of peace. Sen's tea ceremonies were held at prestigious locations such as the United Nations headquarters in New York and the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
In 1964, Sen became the 15th-generation grand master of the Urasenke school upon the death of his father, who had previously headed the tradition. Over the years, Sen served tea to monarchs, presidents, and political leaders such as Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, Henry Kissinger, and Hu Jintao. He was also known as "Flying Grand Master" due to his busy travel schedules.
In 2020, Sen was awarded the Legion of Honour, France's most prestigious order of merit. In his home country, Sen received the Order of Culture in 1997. He served as a goodwill ambassador for the UN cultural and education agency, UNESCO.
Even after turning 102 in April, Sen held over 100 cultural and government advisory positions and gave speeches, some lasting over an hour. In a 2023 interview with NHK, Sen emphasized the calming effects of tea culture, stating, "A bowl of tea makes spirits very peaceful. When everyone is peaceful, there will be no war."
Sen retired as the head of the tea school in 2002, passing it to his son, but remained active until his death. Major Japanese media outlets, including NHK and Yomiuri Shimbun, reported on Sen's passing. AFP could not immediately reach the Urasenke school for comment.
Throughout his life, Sen used the ancient tea tradition rituals to convey anti-war messages, making him a beacon of peace and tranquility in a world often marred by conflict. His legacy will continue to inspire those who believe in the power of peace and the calming effects of a simple bowl of tea.
- Sen Sōshitsu XV, despite being born in a period of war-and-conflicts, found his calling in promoting peace through the ancient Urasenke tea tradition rituals, even serving tea to celebrities, politicians, and leaders like Mikhail Gorbachev and Hu Jintao in the realms of politics and general-news.
- France recognized Sen's contributions to peace and culture by awarding him the Legion of Honour, its most prestigious order of merit, reflecting his significant impact in the entertainment industry and beyond.
- Although Sen retired from his position as the head of the Urasenke school, he continued to advocate for peace, emphasizing the calming effects of tea culture, and his teachings continue to inspire those who believe in the power of peace and the importance of preventing future war-and-conflicts.
