JapanChapter Activities I kebana In t e rna t i ona l | Vol. 55 Issue 2, April 2011

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shops open for a shorter time during the day. But when we consider those who lost everything—homes, family members and friends—our sacrifice is irrelevant.

The issue of tsunami damage to the nuclear power plant is much wider than a regional Japanese problem. It has served as a focus for a healthy assessment of mankind’s energy needs and how these can be met most efficiently, effectively, economically, and safely.

Life is returning to normal in Tokyo and the sur-rounding cities. Domestic news coverage of the de-stroyed towns and the victims of the disaster is a daily experience, and we pray for those who lost their homes and loved ones. Commentators say that life will never return to what it was before in the affected areas.

We hope that the entire country quickly heals and that we will meet at our next convention in a year’s time.

Wienczyslawa Sato International President Tokyo, April 2011

Dear Members,

We would like to express our great appre-ciation for your kind letters of support and sympathy. They reassure and strengthen us. Your support means so much, especially at this difficult time.

The destruction resulting from the un-precedented earthquake and tsunami has deeply affected all residents of Japan. Media coverage of the unthinkable devastation has been worldwide, and the supportive responses from all corners of the planet have strengthened our faith in the goodness of people and laid a foundation for reconstruction and healing.

The Greater Tokyo region received but minor damage, though telephones and mobile phones were disconnected, public transport was shut down tempo-rarily, and there was very little gasoline and kerosene for heating.

Due to the shutting down of the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant, saving electricity has become part of daily life. The power supply is rationed with scheduled three-hour blackouts in various regions when neces-sary, the number of commuter trains is reduced, and

70th AnniversaryPortland #47 USA

The 70th anniversary of the North American branch of the Saga Goryu School in Portland, Oregon, was celebrated at the Henjyoji temple for three days from November 5 to 7, 2010.

Master teachers Etsuho Kakihana, Michiho Uezu, Setsuho Horii, and Kazuho Kamimura represented Saga Goyu headquartera in Kyoto. During their special visit, they conducted two workshops and oversaw the preparation of the two-day ikebana exhibition at the temple to celebrate the special occasion.

Saga Goryu school in Portland was originally established by the late Bishop Henjyoji seventy years ago. A little later, Mrs. Wako Henjyoji joined her

husband and has taught ikebana for the last 61 years.Consul General of Japan Takamichi Okabe

gave a special talk on Nepalese Buddhism, followed by the performance of a Nepalese Buddhist dance.

Wisconsin State FairMilwaukee #22 USA

Milwaukee Chapter members made 28 ikebana arrangements for public display at the Wisconsin State Fair. Approximately 30,000 people viewed the display during the chapter’s three-day participation. Chapter members took turns hosting to answer questions about ikebana, the arrangements, and chapter membership.

Spontaneous Creativity—An

Ikebana Challenge MIddle Georgia #112 USA

Ms. Donna Scott, chapter president and Ichiyo School instructor, suggested the topic for Middle Georga Chapter’s meeting on Nov. 18, 2010: Spontaneous Creativity—An Ikebana Challenge. Chapter members were asked to bring a container of their choice and sufficient line material and flowers to create one ikebana. Each container with its corresponding material was assigned a number. Members then drew numbers to determine which container and materials they would receive to create their arrangement.

The arrangements were displayed in the meeting room, and everyone had the opportunity to describe her arrangement and describe any challenge presented by the container or the materials used. Chapter members clearly enjoyed creating their “challenge arrangement.”

Open-air exhibition in a beautiful garden

Geneva #143 Switzerland

Geneva Chapter was privileged to be invited as guest of honor for the 475th Hospice Général anniversary in the CAD’s garden in Grand-Laney, Geneva. This was our premiere open-air exhibition. A total of 27 participants created 16 arrangements, representing the Sogetsu, Ikenobo, and Ohara schools. The organization was under the direction of Christine Michaillat, assisted by Ursula Papazian. It was a thrilling experience, and we all enjoyed it immensely.

It was such a pleasure to work in this beautiful garden, and we received a very warm welcome from Mr. Perrot, the administrator, and his colleagues. During the eight days of the exhibition more than 2,000 persons came to visit the event.

In front of the Hanaguruma arrangement are (r to l) Master

Teacher Etsuho Kakihana, Setsuho Horii, Michiho Umezu, and

Kazuho Kamimura

Milwaukee Chapter exhibition at the Wisonsin State Fair

Flyer for Geneva Chapter’s open-air exhibition

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2010 Ikebana Exhibition

Nagoya #100 Japan

Nagoya Chapter’s annual autumn exhibition was held at the Nagoya Matsuzakaya Department Store from October 13 to 18, 2010.

Principal Officer Jonas Stewart of the U.S. consulate in Nagoya, Consul General Zhang Liguo of the China consulate general in Nagoya, past president Noriko Fukuzaki of Kyoto Chapter #175, and Director Dofu Shibata of the Chunichi Ikebana Association all cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony. Afterward we had an opening tea party in Matsuzakaya coffee shop and formed friendships. Some exchange students from other countries joined in the exhibition, too.

The exhibition was very well attended, and all exhibitors were greatly encouraged with this happy example of Friendship through Flowers.

Ichigo-Ichie (“one lifetime, one

encounter”)London #6 UK

Mr. and Mrs. Sawano are a husband and wife team. Angela Sawano is a Master of the Ohara School and Takashi Sawano a Master of the Kodoh School. On November 23, 2010, they did ten very creative demonstrations together, during which they gave running explanations of what they were doing and why. Since it was close to Christmas, they created ikebana with a Christmas ambience working in their respective schools of ikebana.

Japanese Cultural Exhibition

Sri Lanka #262

On September 11 and 12, 2010, Sri Lanka Chapter par ticipated in the annual Japanese Cultural Exhibition organized by the embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka to promote the arts of ikebana, bonsai, origami, doll making, and other Japanese art forms.

This annual event is given high publicity and attracts many enthusiasts as well as visitors from the general public. Entry to the event is free of charge, and many local schools send their students for the exhibition. This event serves to actively spread awareness of Japanese arts. Demonstrations are held on both days.

Autumn and Japanese Ambience

Omaha #60 USA

Lauritzen Gardens with its autumn chry santhemums, indoor pond with koi, Japanese lanterns, and other Japanese ambience provided a dramatic setting for our Fall Flower Show on Oct. 1–3, 2010.

Omaha Chapter members displayed beautiful arrangements using traditional autumn colors against white shoji screens. This celebration of the harvest provides the opportunity to snack on caramel apples, kettle corn, soups, and other comfort foods as well as sample sake throughout the weekend event. Visitors engaged with the Japanese community by listening to koto music, taiko drumming, and watching martial arts demonstrations and Japanese dance.

Introducing new board membersMexico City #228 Mexico

Me x i c o C i t y C h a p t e r President Hilda Rivas de

Murillo officiated at the meeting inaugurating the new Ikebana International board members held on June 19, 2010, at Alencastere #300 in Mexico City.

She states, “I had the pleasure to offer a lunch meal and share with the thirty members who attended as well as with five of our students.

The members received from me the 2010–2011 directories and a gift of a mat and flower and branch carrier.”

Former president Mrs. Tere Obregon spoke about her experiences during her term and the positive rewards that we receive through the medium of flowers.

Welcome new ikebana year party

The Jordan #226

Jordan Chapter’s welcome party of the new ikebana year 2010–2011 was a brunch held on September 20 at Lemon Coffee Shop, Amman.

Both Board and chapter members attended. A welcome speech was given by our Chapter President Mrs. Al ia Armouti . The ladies enjoyed the beautifully arranged center pieces and the good food.

Panoramic view of the Nagoya Chapter ikebana exhibition

Making an arrangement with a Christmas flavor.

Mickey Kerr, Koryu School, assembles her flower arrangement.

Mrs. Armouti giving the welcome speech 262

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50th AnniversaryAlbuquerque #41 USA

The event culminating the year-long celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Albuquerque Chapter 41 was a luncheon and program on December 12, 2010, at the Albuquerque Garden Center. December 12 is

the actual date of the chapter’s charter 50 years ago. Eight members were asked to arrange table decorations for the luncheon. The Miyagi Ryu Okinawa dancers led by Yaeko Miyazato presented several dances from

Okinawa. This was followed by a Japanese tea ceremony given by Ikuko Begay. The luncheon was catered by Noda’s Restaurant of Rio Rancho, New Mexico.

Autumn WorkshopDubai #221 UAE

September 28, 2010, was Dubai Chapter’s first meeting after the long summer holiday, and all the ladies exchanged their travel experiences. Members behind in membership dues were able to catch up. The highlight of the meeting was the Autumn Workshop, in which ten ladies joined in with beautiful and colorful arrangements.

37th AnniversaryBangkok #177 Thailand

On January 5, 2011, Bangkok Chapter celebrated its 37th Anniversary with demonstrations and exhibition.Our guest demonstrators were Iemoto Akihiro Kasuya and his son Iemoto-Designate Naohiro Kasuya, who did a breathtaking arrangement. All the guests were amazed to see a huge arrangement completed in a mere 75 minutes. to p.4 ✑

Semiannual members’ exhibition

Rochester #53 USA

On a beautiful autumn day, Rochester Chapter hosted its semiannual members’ exhibition at the Barnes & Noble book store, with the worry that the good weather would deter visitors from spending time indoors. But, thanks to ads in the local paper and

flyers in the bookstore, we had a wonderful turnout. Fourteen members made display arrangements. The exhibit was open to the public from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. During the day we gave three demonstrations (at 11, 1, and 3), which were well attended

by children as well as adults. Ikebana literature was displayed on our welcome table, and brochures were available for people to take away.

Chapter President Padmini Madura introduced each teacher who demonstrated and gave a brief history of ikebana. After each demonstration attendees were invited to ask questions. Three curious boys were shown and allowed to touch a pair of hasami and a kenzan.

Yasuko Spence demonstrated a basic upright Hijiri Ikenobo; Saskia Eller demonstrated a tall

vase Ohara; Karen Napoli demonstrated an Ichiyo school arrangement. Visitors loved our ikebana exhibit, thanking us profusely on their way out. We considered the event a huge success when one guest decided to become a member that day and wrote a check for the dues!

Members of Albuquerque Chapter. ( front row) Miyagi Ryu Okinawa Dancers and Ikuko Begay, who presented the Japanese tea ceremony

(top) Karen Napoli demonstrates an Ichiyo arrangemen. (bottom)

A seasonal Ichiyo arrangement to celebrate our chapter’s golden

anniversary with gold branches and golden mums

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Mrs. Gity Hamidi with her autumn ikebana

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Albuquerque

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1. Wellington #158, Beach workshop, Nanette Kwok2. San Antonio #46, New Year arrangement, Toshi Estep3. Bundaberg #190, Christmas exhibition,

Del Loxton & Diane Jenkin 4. London #6, Ichigo-ichie, Angela Sawano 5. Osaka #234, Fuzei and Miyabi of Kyoto, Yoshikazu Okada6. Gurgaon #255, Symbolism & Flowers, Anitha Nandakumar

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✑ from page 3 After the demonstration, HRH Princess Soamsawali presided at the opening of the exhibition of 34 arrangements, created by members of Sogetsu, lkenobo, Misho, Ohara, and lchiyo schools from

Tokyo Founding Chapter. The new Japanese ambassador and his wife graced the occasion.

The event was very successful, and we were able to recruit some

new members. Most of all, we made lots of friends. We also had a sayonara dinner for our guests from Japan, exchanged gifts, and danced all night.

Participation in Oshogatsu

Tacoma-Olympia #147 USA

The Olympia-Kato Sister City Association held its first Oshogatsu (New Year) celebration on January 29, 2011, and Tacoma-Olympia Chapter was honored to have been asked to participate at this wonderful event.

Several of our members prepared beautiful arrangements, mainly consisting of traditional Japanese New Years’ materials—pine, bamboo, and flowers—and displayed them for the public. Members were on hand to answer questions, explain

principles of ikebana, and also to give information regarding our classes and Ikebana International.

Several hundred members of the community came and joined the celebration and, in addition to enjoying our display, were pleased to find Japanese calligraphy, a bonsai display, dancers performing the Soran Bushi, origami, taiko drums, kendo/iaido, and much more. Our members took turns overseeing our display and visiting other displays and enjoying the music and good food offered.

We are looking forward to next year’s event and are very happy that we have been asked to participate in it.

Demonstration by Enshu-ryu Isshin-kai

Iemoto Ichifu MeikyoLos Angeles #4 USA

On November 21, 2010, Los Angeles Chapter had a demonstration by Mrs. Ichifu Meikyo, Enshu-ryu. While visiting Los Angeles with her daughter, she offered to provide an introduction to Enshu-ryu at our November meeting. She created four typical Enshu-style arrangements to display before the demonstration. Then she gave a demonstration of two basic arrangements while explaining the Enshu style. We learned how to make a straight branch curve. It was really interesting for us since there are no Enshu members in our chapter.

Sumo slide lectureCopenhagen #93 Denmark

On Feb. 23, 2011, Copenhagen Chapter President Inger Tribler welcomed members to a slide lecture by Mari-Ann Woll on the

Japanese sport of sumo, titled A Living Tradition—From a Woman’s Point of View. She told us of the small group in Denmark that gets together every third month to watch sumo on TV. She told us about the history of sumo, the traditions, rules and education of the fighters. After this informative lecture, we all know a lot more about this fascinating sport.

After the lecture, members each made a mini flower arrangement in accordance with Sogetsu book 4, page 68, and these were afterwards evaluated by Birgitte Hinnerskov. The meeting ended with coffee and friendly conversation.

Symphony of FlowersMonterey Bay #231 USA

At the November 16, 2010, meeting of Monterey Bay Chapter, a demonstration with the theme Symphony

of Flowers was presented by Thanh Nguyen, Wafu School.

She made a total of six arrangements in different formats, using a variety of interesting materials. Materials used in her flower arrangements were yuka, babybreath (tied in bunches),

heliconia, antherium, piracantha, juniper, king protea, and beauty berry. Gustav Mahler’s magnificent Symphony No. 9 was played, and her exhibition was an interpretation through ikebana of this piece of classical music.

Thanh Nguyen belongs to San Francisco Bay Area Chapter #31 and the Teachers Federation. She is a member of the Wafu Ikebana Society and Sogetsu Teachers’ Association. She teaches ikebana in Palo Alto and Menlo Park.

“Tropical Ikebana” Holiday Luncheon

Sarasota #115 USA

Sarasota Chapter’s Annual Holiday Luncheon with a theme of Tropical Ikebana was held on December 6 at the University Park Country Club. One hundred members and guests enjoyed the member demonstrations from the schools of Ichiyo, Ikenobo, Sogetsu, and Wafu. A special mawari-ike ikebana was created with the assistance of many of the members and guests. This was especially enjoyed as everyone was able to participate in the creation of a lovely arrangement.

Ikebana InternationalMisaki Bldg. 5F, 3-28-9 Kanda Ogawamachi Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0052 JAPAN ikebana@ikebanaHQ.org www.ikebana.org

Ichifu Meikyo-sensei

Thanh Nguyen creating a floor arrangement

4Los Angeles

(back l to r) Adrienne Wagner, Pat Bonarek, Jennifer Walker,

Penny Hendry, Gail Dutt, Gwen Lawry, Nancy Rozzelle, John

Pascale; (front l to r) Teddy Steenson, Chapter President Gil Lee,

Polly Curran

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Our display at the Oshogatsu in Olympia celebration.

We received very favorable comments and were very happy that

we could share our enjoyment of ikebana art with everyone.

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