Japan
Chapter
Dear Members,
Activities
70th Anniversary
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.
47
In front of the Hanaguruma arrangement are (r to l) Master
Teacher Etsuho Kakihana, Setsuho Horii, Michiho Umezu, and
Kazuho Kamimura
22
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.
143
Milwaukee Chapter exhibition at the Wisonsin State Fair
112
Portland
The 70th anniversar y 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
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.
Open-air exhibition
in a beautiful garden
Spontaneous
Creativity—An
Ikebana Challenge
Middle
Georgia
Portland #47 USA
Wienczyslawa Sato
International President
Tokyo, April 2011
Milwaukee #22 USA
Geneva
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 surrounding cities. Domestic news coverage of the destroyed 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.
Wisconsin State Fair
Milwaukee
We would like to express our great appreciation 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 unprecedented 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 temporarily, 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 necessary, the number of commuter trains is reduced, and
I k e b a n a I n t e r n a t i o n a l | Vol. 55 Issue 2, April 2011
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.”
1
Flyer for Geneva Chapter’s open-air exhibition
Chapter
Nagoya
100
Activities
2010 Ikebana
Exhibition
Nagoya #100 Japan
Autumn and
Japanese Ambience
Omaha #60 USA
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.
Lauritzen Gardens with its autumn chry­santhemums,
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.
60
Omaha
6
London
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”)
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
Making an arrangement with a Christmas flavor.
Mickey Kerr, Koryu School, assembles her flower arrangement.
Sri Lanka #262
262
Introducing new board
members
228
Mexico City
Panoramic view of the Nagoya Chapter ikebana exhibition
Sri Lanka
2
On September 11 and 12, 2010, Sri Lanka Chapter
par­t icipated 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.
226
Mexico City #228 Mexico
Mexico Cit y Chapter
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.
Mrs. Armouti giving the welcome speech
The Jordan
Japanese Cultural
Exhibition
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. Alia Ar mouti. The
ladies enjoyed the beautifully
arranged center pieces and
the good food.
I k e b a n a I n t e r n a t i o n a l | Vol. 55 Issue 2, April 2011
Semiannual members’
exhibition
Rochester #53 USA
Autumn Workshop
Dubai #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.
221
Rochester
53
50th Anniversary
Albuquerque #41 USA
1
3
4
(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
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.
Mrs. Gity Hamidi with her autumn ikebana
37th Anniversary
Bangkok #177 Thailand
41
Albuquerque
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
2
1
Dubai
On a beautiful autumn day, Rochester Chapter hosted
its semiannual members’ exhibition at the Barnes
& Noble book­store, 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!
1.Wellington #158, Beach workshop, Nanette Kwok
2.San Antonio #46, New Year arrangement, Toshi Estep
3.Bundaberg #190, Christmas exhibition,
Del Loxton & Diane Jenkin
4.London #6, Ichigo-ichie, Angela Sawano
5.Osaka #234, Fuzei and Miyabi of Kyoto, Yoshikazu Okada
6.Gurgaon #255, Symbolism & Flowers, Anitha Nandakumar
5
6
Members of Albuquerque Chapter. ( front row) Miyagi Ryu Okinawa Dancers and Ikuko Begay, who presented the Japanese tea ceremony
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
to p.4 ✑
mere 75 minutes. 3
Chapter
Activities
✑ from page 3
Bangkok
177
Participation in
Oshogatsu
Tacoma-Olympia #147 USA
TacomaOlympia
147
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.
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 Meikyo
Los Angeles #4 USA
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.
At the November 16, 2010, meeting of Monterey Bay
Chapter, a demonstration with the theme Symphony
(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
231
Monterey
Bay
4
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
Ichifu Meikyo-sensei
Sarasota #115 USA
Monterey Bay #231 USA
Thanh Nguyen creating a floor arrangement
we could share our enjoyment of ikebana art with everyone.
“Tropical Ikebana”
Holiday Luncheon
Symphony of Flowers
Our display at the Oshogatsu in Olympia celebration.
We received very favorable comments and were very happy that
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.
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),
115
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 International
Misaki Bldg. 5F, 3-28-9 Kanda Ogawamachi
Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0052 JAPAN
[email protected] www.ikebana.org
Sarasota
4
93
Copenhagen #93 Denmark
Los Angeles
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 lecture
Copenhagen
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.