2020 　2019 　2018 　
January 21, 2020
Ceremony of the Legion of Honor to Dr. HOUNSAI Sen Genshitsu, 15th Urasenke Grand Master.

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Dr. HOUNSAI Sen Genshitsu, 15th Urasenke Grand Master received the Legion of Honor at the rank of commander. The medal was awarded during a ceremony held at the residence of the Ambassador of France in Tokyo, in the presence of members of the Association; Mr. SEI (consultant), Mr. MAEDA (counselor) and Mr. MORI (president).

Following the speech by H.E. Laurent PIC, Ambassador of France to Japan, the award ceremony took place. Dr. HOUNSAI gave his speech, then H.E. Yoshiro MORI, former Japanese Prime Minister toasted. During his speech Dr. HOUNSAI recounted his memories related to France as well as his late wife Mrs. Tomiko. At the time when Dr. HOUNSAI directed the Urasenké school, a few decades ago, he created a cha-shitsu (salon for the tea ceremony) in France and that played an important role in popularizing the Japanese tea.

Many people involved in Franco-Japanese relations participated the ceremony. H.E. FUKUDA (former Japanese Prime Minister) and His Wife, H.E. AKASHI (former Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations), Mr. AIZAWA (Japanese deputy) who had supported one of the Association's events, H.E. KITERA (former Japanese Ambassador to Paris 2016-2019 and members of the Urasenké school.

The rank of Commander is the highest distinction in the Legion of Honor that can be awarded to artistic and cultural figures.

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