5 March 2012 : Dr. Sen Genshitsu, Master of the Japanese tea-offering ceremony, designated UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador
Dr. Sen Genshitsu , the 15th Grand Master of Urasenke, a Japanese tea school, was designated as UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador by Ms Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO, on 5 March 2012. This designation acknowledges his long-standing commitment to peace and culture, which are two of the most important objectives and ideals of UNESCO. "Your life have been inspired by a comitment to make the most of culture as a bridge between past and future, between individuals and peoples", declared Ms Bokova in her speech.
Since the 16th Century, the Japanese tradition of tea ceremony aims at attaining serenity through the sharing of a bowl of tea. Dr. Sen Genshitsu , 15th generation Grand Tea Master from Japan's Urasenke Tea School, travels all over the world to promote his idea of achieving “Peacefulness through a Bowl of Tea”. He participated in numerous events focused on fostering peace, for instance in the United Nations (the Millennium Assembly in 2000, the General Assembly in 2010) and in Pearl Harbor (Hawaii).
This designation of a Japanese UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador is for the first time after Professor Hirayama Ikuo passed away in 2009, who held this title from 1989. He was a renowned Japanese painter who dedicated himself to world heritage preservation.
A reception organized by the Permanent Delegation of Japan to UNESCO to commemorate the first anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake of 11 March 2011 followed the official designation ceremony. On this occasion, Dr. Sen Genshitsu conducted a tea offering. He prepared two bolws of tea, one for UNESCO and Peace, and one in memory of the victims of 11 March 2011. A minute silence was then observed.
On 6 March 2011, Dr Sen Genshitsu gave a lecture at the Japan Cultural Institute in Paris (Maison de la Culture du Japon - MCJP) introducing to the public the basics of the Japanese tea ceremony and how it is performed. He presented the four principles which are the essence of Chado, literally the "way of tea" : "Wa Kei Sei Jaku" or "harmony, respect, purity and tranquillity".
After the lecture, the public was invited to taste macha, the powdered green tea used for the Japanese tea ceremony, and traditionnal sweets.
Links
UNESCO Press release about Dr Sen Genshitsu's nomination
Presentation of Dr Sen Genshitsu on UNESCO's website
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