Akifumi Kikuchi

Chori (Chori, November 10, 1984 – August 20, 2024) was a Japanese poet. His birth name was Fumi Sen (せん あきふみ), and his registered family name was Akihumi Kikuchi (きくち あきふみ). He was from Kyoto Prefecture. The pen name "Chori" originates from the word "Sen Yori" (千ヨリ) written in a fax to a friend, which appeared as the katakana "チョリ" (Chori).

【Biography】

He was born in Kyoto Prefecture as the eldest son of the 16th head of the Urasenke school of tea ceremony, Sen Sōitsu, and Yōko. He began practicing the tea ceremony in childhood but chose not to pursue a path as a tea master. From his middle school years, he started activities as a poet. He graduated from Kyoto Seika University.

In 2005 (Heisei 17), he received the first "Shige Gaku" Best Newcomer Award. In 2006 (Heisei 18), he formed the performance unit "Chori/Dōji" with the kyōgen performer Shigeyama Dōji (current third generation Shigeyama Senjō), and they held performances mainly in Kyoto. In 2008 (Heisei 20), they toured Europe, performing in Paris, Florence, Rome, and Brescia.

On December 9, 2014 (Heisei 26), he became independent (established a branch family) under the family registry name Kikuchi Akihumi. Despite the separation, his family relations with his family of origin, the Sen family, remained good, and they maintained交流。

He died of acute respiratory failure caused by pneumonia on August 20, 2024 (Reiwa 6). He was 39 years old at the time of his death. His father, Sen Sōitsu, commented on the loss: "He passed away in the midst of his chosen path, but in an era where many young people find it difficult to discover what they want, I believe it was fortunate that he could pursue the world he dreamed of."

On November 20 of the same year, his best album titled "Chori View" was released.

【Family and Relatives】

His mother was Princess Yuriko, the second daughter of Prince Morihisa of Mikasa and Princess Mikasa. His father was Sen Sōsui, the 16th head of the Urasenke school. His younger sister is Maki Sanda, who served as the Saio (priestess) of the Aoi Festival, married to Dr. Osamu Sanda (son of Shuzo Sanda). His younger brother is the future head of the family, Sen Takaishi.

He is closely related to the Imperial family and noble families, being a great-nephew of Emperor Shōwa (Hirohito), a great-nephew of Emperor Akihito, and a cousin of Emperor Naruhito. His grandfather was the 15th head of the Urasenke school, Sen Genjiro. His cousins include Koichiro Ijū, Reijiro Ijū. From his maternal side, Princess Akiko and Princess Yōko of Mikasa, Princess Shōko of the imperial family, Princess Noriko of the Chiyake family, and Ayako Moriya are among his relatives.

【Genealogy】

Details about his family lineage are omitted.

【Discography】

No related works are specifically listed.

【Notes】

None provided.

【External Links】

- chori a.k.a Kikuchi Myoungsa (@myeongsa_chori) – X (formerly Twitter)

- chori a.k.a Kikuchi Myoungsa (chori a.k.a Kikuchi Myoungsa) – note