In Memory of Professor Emeritus Shozo Sato
It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Professor Emeritus Shozo Sato. Sato sensei lived an extraordinary ninety-one years, leaving a long legacy of achievements and accomplishments.
His extensive teaching career of Japanese arts and aesthetics touched generations of students and his productions of kabuki Shakespeare, chado (Japanese tea ceremony), ikebana (Japanese flower arranging), sumi-e (Japanese ink paintings), and shodo (Japanese calligraphy) continue to be enjoyed in the memory of visitors.
Originally coming to Illinois as a visiting artist-in-residence at Krannert Center in 1964, he recognized the need for cultural arts education to build cultural bridges and committed the rest of his life to teaching in the United States. His tenacity and vision for teaching Japanese arts and culture started the original Japan House at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. From a converted Victorian house on Lincoln and California Avenue, Japan House continued to thrive and expand into the current building established in 1998 under the direction of Kimiko Gunji.
His generosity and support of the Japan House, along with his wife Alice Ogura Sato and brother-in-law Dr. George Ogura, led to the Ogura-Sato Annex project to build additional teaching space, an accessible tearoom, and much needed storage space. We hope his memory can continue to be honored and shared through Japan House and its mission to share traditional Japanese arts and culture.
For over 60 years, Japan House has been dedicated to fostering cultural understanding, offering new perspectives, and providing a space where visitors can experience tranquility. Rooted in traditional Japanese aesthetics and arts—particularly Chado, the Way of Tea—Japan House continues to offer students and the broader community a unique opportunity to cultivate a deeper appreciation of diverse cultures. Sensei envisioned the addition of the Ogura-Sato Annex to support the growth of Japan House's mission. His memory will continue through the lives of students and visitors who can be immersed in the study of Japanese arts and culture at Japan House.
What have I to give as a legacy?
The flower of spring.
The cuckoos of summer.
The maple leaves of autumn.
This calligraphy was executed by Shuran Shirane, a friend of Sato sensei.
The above poem by Ryokan, a Zen monk and poet (1758-1831), discusses the transience of nature and life, asking what remains as time passes. Legacy can take many forms, whether it's through buildings or people or actions; ultimately, we hope that Japan House's legacy is one of building respect and understanding across cultures, which can be spread by those who visit our space. The legacy of Japan House is felt through our unique space that creates an immersive learning environment that welcomes all. Whether it's strolling through the Sen Cherry Tree Allée and appreciating the Japanese gardens created by Jim Bier, learning from Professors Emeritus Shozo Sato, Kimiko Gunji, and many more who have taught and shared Asian arts and culture at Japan House, volunteering, or even just attending an event, Japan House's mission has always been to make traditional Japanese arts and culture accessible to all in order to create a deeper sensitivity for other cultures and a space for reflection.
Japan House is the dream come true of Professor Emeritus Shozo Sato and his legacy will continue in the hearts of generations of students, friends, and visitors.
In 1964, Shozo Sato arrives at the University of Illinois from Japan and begins teaching classes in Japanese arts and culture as a visiting artist-in-residence at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. He would later become a professor in the College of Fine and Applied Arts and continue teaching in the United States.
In 1975, Sato sensei built the original Japan House from scratch to have a truly immersive learning environment. His creativity and talent for theater design contributed to the success of his endeavors.
Sato sensei taught various traditional arts but he emphasized the teaching of Chado, the Way of Tea, for students to understand the soul of Japan.
1969 - Sato sensei and theater students in kabuki costumes. Photo from the University Archives. He received numerous awards and acclaim for his productions of Shakespeare plays adapted into traditional kabuki theater.
Sato sensei began the annual tradition of Japan House Open House to welcome community members and visitors beyond the university community to learn about traditional Japanese arts and culture. Taking place in fall and spring, Open House features a range of speakers, artists, and other special guests and public tea ceremonies throughout the day.
Although Sato sensei retired from the University of Illinois in 1992, he continued to teach, direct, and share Japanese arts and culture nationally and internationally. In recognition of his life’s work in sharing traditional Japanese arts and culture, Sato sensei received the Order of the Sacred Treasure with Rosette from the Emperor of Japan in 2004.
In 2013, Sato returned to the University of Illinois community. The Nick Offerman Azumaya is built by the Offerman Woodshop with the inscribed statement, "The teacher and the student walk the same passage."
Sato continued to teach and share Japanese arts and culture through special workshops, demonstrations, and lectures on specific areas in chado such as shodo, kodo, and even discussed similarities and differences between various tea schools (such as his school, Dainihon Chado Gakkai).
Sato sensei generously shared his extensive tea equipment collection with students and visitors to cultivate a deeper sensitivity for Japanese arts and aesthetics.
In 2020, Sato sensei's COVID-19 project was creating an accessible walkway to connect the main pathway to the Nick Offerman Azumaya and Kimiko Gunji Dedication Bridge. He created a special brush in order to paint in the cement to create the feeling of moving water. Sensei also directed the placement of stones for aesthetically pleasing texture to compliment the brush strokes. This pathway is enjoyed by countless visitors to the gardens.
In 2021, sensei broke ground for the Ogura-Sato Annex during the Arigatou no Kokoro festival and groundbreaking ceremony.
In 2023, Sato sensei's sumi-e works were featured in an exhibition at Krannert Art Museum. He is featured in the Illinois Storied article, Child of War, Man of Peace.
In 2023, Sato sensei had many laughs in the audience of An Evening with Nick Offerman, a sold-out show in which proceeds supported the Ogura-Sato Annex.
Sato sensei was full of joy when Director Jennifer Gunji-Ballsrud shared the news of the Annex. Construction of the Ogura-Sato Annex will begin Summer 2025.