Sen Sōshitsu XVI

Sen Soshitsu (born June 7, 1956, Showa 31) is a Japanese tea master and the 16th Generation Head of the Urasenke. His studio name is Zaijōsai, and his given name is Masayuki. During his early days as a young tea master, he was known as Sōshi. The head family of Urasenke has traditionally adopted the family name "Sōshitsu" in each generation.

Career

His father is the 15th generation head of Urasenke, Sen Genshitsu (Hansō Sōshitsu, Hōunsai). His mother is Tomiko. His wife is Princess Yōko, the second daughter of Prince Takahito of Mikasa and Princess Yuriko. His younger brother is Masakazu Izumi. His children include his eldest son, Akifumi Kikuchi (a poet, registered under a different family name). His eldest son passed away in December 2014 due to pneumonia. His eldest daughter is Makiko Sakata (a Saio, the 54th Saio for the Aoi Matsuri), and his second son is Kfumi (Sen Sōji, a young tea master).

Relatives include his nephews Kōichirō Izumi and Rijirō Izumi.

Education, Qualifications, Titles

He graduated from Doshisha University’s Faculty of Literature, Department of Psychology. Afterwards, he underwent Zen training at Daitokuji Temple and received the studio name Zaijōsai. He has also engaged extensively with cultural facilities and temples across Japan.

Professional Career and Achievements

In 2003 (Heisei 15), he became the 16th Generation Head and adopted the family name Sōshitsu. Besides practicing the tea ceremony, he is active as a writer, having authored numerous essays. His interests extend beyond culture—he is also interested in jazz and science fiction, showcasing a wide range of hobbies.

Awards and Positions

In 2019 (Heisei 31 / Reiwa 1), he was awarded the Order of the Purple Ribbon. He has served as a professor at Kyoto University of Art and Design and as a visiting professor at Gakushuin Women's College. He is also a member of the Japan Pen Club. Furthermore, he is the chairman of the Ritsumeikan University Parent Support Association.

Other Activities and Exchanges

He is connected with figures such as Masashi Kanjū, abbot of Hōnen-in Temple; Jun'ichi Ihara, the Japanese ambassador to France; and Nobuhiro Doi, the president of Kyoto Bank—all of whom are alumni of Kyoto University of Education.

Publications

He has authored a wide range of works, including essay collections, instructional books on tea ceremony rituals, co-authored titles, and more. Notable works include "From the Bookcase," "First, Have a Sip," "Zazen and Leisure," "Tasting and Enjoying," "My Diary of the 24 Solar Terms," and "Today as Yesterday."

External Links

His profile is available on the Urasenke official website and other official sites related to the tea ceremony.