Masaoki Sen, Japan Tea Ceremony Master Who Opposed All Wars, Dies
Masaoki Sen, a former Kamikaze Volunteer who was spared from flying a suicide mission during World War II, is remembered for becoming a grandmaster of Japan’s traditional tea ceremony and using his status to advocate against all wars. He performed a notable tea ceremony at the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial in Hawaii in 2011, bringing together history and peace.
Sen’s journey from a potential World War II soldier to a respected tea ceremony master is a compelling story of redemption and cultural preservation. He had the opportunity to participate in a suicide mission but chose to live, a decision that led him to devote his life to the arts and peace advocacy.
As a revered figure in the world of traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, Sen’s influence extended beyond cultural circles, reaching the broader public and fostering a deeper understanding of the historical and peaceful aspects of Japanese heritage. His ceremonies were not just displays of artistry but also acts of remembrance and reconciliation for the victims of past conflicts.