Press Releases
Passing of Dr. SEN Genshitsu, Special Assistant to the Minister for Foreign Affairs
(Statement by Foreign Minister IWAYA Takeshi)
August 15, 2025
- I am deeply saddened at the news of the passing of Dr. SEN Genshitsu, Special Assistant to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, on August 14.
- Dr. SEN Genshitsu, Daisosho (former Urasenke Grand Master) of the Japanese tea ceremony (chado), advocated the concept of “Peacefulness through a Bowl of Tea,” and made tremendous contributions to cultural exchanges with other countries around the world and the promotion of understanding of Japan through the Japanese tea ceremony, serving as Special Assistant to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, President of the United Nations Association of Japan, UN Goodwill Ambassador, and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Goodwill Ambassador.
- The Government of Japan expresses its sincere gratitude for the longstanding contributions and achievements of Special Assistant Sen, and its deep respect for his contributions to mutual understanding and friendly relations between Japan and other countries. I wish to express my heartfelt condolences on the passing of Special Assistant Sen and to send my deepest sympathies to his bereaved family.
(Reference) Dr. SEN Genshitsu, Daisosho (who passed away at the age of 102)
Dr. Sen was the 15th Grand Master of the Urasenke tea ceremony school. He had served as the President of the United Nations Association of Japan since 2002, Japan-UN Goodwill Ambassador since 2005, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador since 2012, and Special Assistant to the Minister for Foreign Affairs since 2017.