Dr Genshitsu Sen, President of the Japan Equestrian Federation, passed away on 14 August 2025 at the age of 102.
Dr Sen assumed the Presidency of the Japan Equestrian Federation in 2003 and dedicated 22 years to the growth and promotion of equestrian sport in Japan. His tenure included landmark achievements such as hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo 2020, and guiding the Japanese Eventing team to a bronze medal at the Olympic Games in Paris 2024.
Born in 1923, Dr Sen served in the Japanese Navy Air Force during World War II. He was a student at Doshisha University,and was assigned to be a kamikaze pilot, but was unable to fly due to a deliberate order to prevent an old dynasty from dying out. He later completed his education at Doshisha University, graduating from the faculty of economics. He took Buddhist vows under Gotō Zuigan, the chief abbot of Daitoku-ji temple, and in 1949, received the title Hōunsai.
He later became the 15th Grand Master of the Urasenke School of Tea, promoting his philosophy of “Peacefulness through a Bowl of Tea,” and assumed the title of Grand Master Emeritus in 2002.
His name was initially Sen Sōshitsu XV, but following his retirement, he adopted the name Sen Genshitsu.
He also held numerous prominent roles, including UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, Japan-U.N. Goodwill Ambassador, Advisor to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Chairman of the Rotary Japan Foundation, President of the United Nations Association of Japan, and President of the Kyoto City International Foundation.
“Dr Sen was a remarkable man and an outstanding ambassador for equestrian sport,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos said.
Dr Sen at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics“His dedication and commitment will be remembered with great respect, and he will be profoundly missed. Many of us have treasured memories of the tea ceremonies Dr Sen held for our equestrian family during the FEI General Assembly in Tokyo in 2016, as well as at the Olympic Family Lounge in the equestrian venue at Baji Koen during the Olympic Games in Tokyo 2020.
“As President of the Japan Equestrian Federation for more than 20 years, and as former Grand Master of the Urasenke Chado Tradition, Dr Sen was not just an extraordinary ambassador for our sport but also a true reflection of the Spirit of Japan.”
Among his many awards and recognitions, Dr Sen received the Order of Culture from the Emperor of Japan in 1997 and was appointed Commandeur of France’s Ordre National de la Légion d’honneur in 2020.
Photos © FEI – Astrid Appels
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