Newsletter 2014-2015

2014-2015
Ohara Center of Tokyo
7-17, Minami-Aoyama 5-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8607, Japan
Moribana Center
12-70, Sumiyoshi-Yamate 4-chome, Higashinada-ku, Kobe 658-0063, Japan
Osaka Kenshu Kaikan
6 Watanabe, Kyutaromachi 4-chome, Chuo-ku, Osaka 541-0056, Japan
Message from Headmaster Hiroki Ohara
Happy New Year to you all!
In Japan the arrival of a new year usually coincides with the arrival
of the coldest season of year. As I welcome the year 2015 with
renewed spirit in the frosty, invigorating air, I think of the projects
planned for this year. In your country, how do you spend your time
at the beginning of the New Year?
The year 2015 falls on the Ohara School’s 120th year since its
founding. To commemorate this special milestone, we are going to
produce an exhibition in late February through early March. A total
of 518 top artists of the Ohara School in Japan as well as from
overseas will participate in the show. Indeed, it will be in a grand
scale which we have not had for a long time.
Headmaster
Hiroki Ohara
The words, ‘Inochi-no-Katachi –Birth and Rebirth,’ have been
adopted as the theme of this show. Ikebana is an expression of life –
its strength of nurture and its power of rebirth – by using plants.
Firmly on the basis of the School’s tradition, such an expression has
taken in many forms over the years, which we would like to exhibit
at our 120th anniversary show.
We would also like to demonstrate how refreshingly, dynamically,
and beautifully life is expressed in the form of ikebana – in the style
uniquely Ohara ikebana such as the Landscape, Rimpa, and Bunjin
Arrangements, or other styles including Hana-kanade of my
creation. If you are unable to attend the show due to the long
distance, please think about the past 120 years during which the
Ohara School has held to its heart the importance of life through the
art of ikebana.
Last year I had many opportunities to visit overseas cities,
highlighted by the visits to New York and Taipei, Taiwan, each of
which I visited twice, and Uppsala, Sweden. This year many more
such visits are already planned. It is wonderful that ikebana is
attracting more and more people outside Japan. I hope that you will
continue to love and enjoy Ohara ikebana even more.
Hiroki Ohara
Headmaster
NEWS FROM THE HEADQUARTERS
Headmaster’s Overseas Activities in 2014
Taipei Chapter, Taiwan
April 24-30: Headmaster visited Taipei Chapter for a
demonstration assisted by Assoc. Prof. Akihiro Nishi. With
the kind assistance of Pres. Mei-Zong Liaw, members
collected materials regularly used in Ohara ikebana at the
shops and flower market. Headmaster arranged seven
compositions in one and half hours at the Taipei Sheraton
Hotel. Three hundred sixty people enjoyed seeing his
demonstration including Ohara members from Kaohsiung
and Tainan. The event also included chapter workshops
instructed by Mr. Nishi. The members’ sincere attitude
toward learning Ohara ikebana along with an abundance of
flower materials was so impressive, Headmaster has returned
to Taipei twice this year.
Headmaster giving a
demonstration with local
tropical flowers and
Japanese materials
Ikebana and Contemporary Plant Art at Uppsala
University, Sweden
June 7-15: Headmaster exhibited for Uppsala University at
their three-month long exhibition. The University has
historically been connected to the field of Japanese plants.
For this occasion, they invited seven leading Japanese artists
to feature both traditional ikebana and contemporary plant art
at the same time and place. Their intention was to see what
evolved from their fusion. The seven selected artists
presented their unique performance at the orangery in the
University’s botanical garden. Headmaster arranged a large
installation of interesting shapes titled “Root.” It was admired
by the audience and was praised as “a completely new
artificial plant generated by Hiroki Ohara, inspired by Carl
Linnaeus,” who is a former professor at the University and
the distinguished naturalist of Sweden. The exhibition was
inaugurated by Japanese Ambassador Seiji Morimoto.
Attendance over three months was 7,500 visitors.
Over 3 meter tall installation with bleached
bassia scoparia, ivy, echeveria, based on
roots of Arundo donax
Taipei International Flower Show, Taiwan
October 29-November 5: Headmaster attended the Taipei
International Flower Show accompanied by Assist. Prof.
Hiroyuki Kawakami. This was a major show sponsored by
the Taipei city government with honored guests and media
invited. In a special area for the honored exhibitor,
Headmaster arranged a large installation with dried Taxodium
distichum and giant augusta leaves as the main materials. The
highlight of the show was, no doubt, his demonstration
performed on the stage of 21m (69ft) in length. He made
three compositions with his movements shown on big
screens above the stage.
Masters Sent Abroad in 2014
The 13th North American Ohara Teachers’ Association
(NAOTA) Conference in Los Angeles, U.S.A.
April: The 13th NAOTA Conference was hosted by Los
Angeles Chapter at which C.O.P Assoc. Prof. Hirokazu
Yokohigashi and Assist. Prof. Hozuki Oyamada conducted
three days of workshops and a demonstration.
The 40th Anniversary of Toronto Chapter, Canada
April: Assoc. Prof. Hirokazu Yokohigashi visited the Toronto
Chapter for a demonstration and workshops after the NAOTA
Conference.
The 25th Anniversary of Ottawa Chapter, Canada
September 26-October 4: C.O.P. Assoc. Prof. Akihiro Nishi
visited the Ottawa Chapter for a demonstration and
workshops.
The 25th Anniversary of Bangalore Chapter, India
November: Retired C.O.P Assist. Prof. Yoshiko Ishibashi
visited the Bangalore Chapter for a demonstration,
exhibition, and workshops.
Masters Abroad Schedule for 2015
Note: These schedules are subject to change.
Assisted by C.O.P. V. P. Koji Kanamori
New York, U.S.A.
September 1-6: Headmaster visited New York to perform a
demonstration for West Point. After the main event finished,
he had an opportunity to spend time with NAOTA members
who gathered in a New Jersey restaurant to see him. After
lunch, he demonstrated three arrangements including
Hana-kanade with Ms. Ingrid Lüders interpreting. The event
was organized by NAOTA Pres. E-Ling Lou and was fun.
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NEWS FROM THE HEADQUARTERS
Chapter Reports from
September 2013 through 2014
Antilles Guyane Chapter, French West Indies
Chapter members organized seminars and exhibitions
throughout the year to ensure the promotion of Ohara
ikebana in Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana.
Additionally, meetings with children were highly successful.
Pres. and Sub-Grandmaster Simone Gruel and Associate
First Master Anne-Marie Clerima participated in the October
EOTA Seminar in Rome and appreciated the richness of the
workshops.
November: Simone Gruel and the Guadeloupe members
participated in a very successful major exhibition, “Terra
Silva,” in Guadeloupe. This exhibition brought together
different actors or “artists” who are passionate about
everything related to nature–bonsai, ikebana, flower design,
orchid lovers, nursery
workers, painters,
and sumi-e. For two
days, more than 600
visitors were amazed
at what they found.
Ikebana and bonsai
lovers enjoyed very
constructive
discussions.
The workshop in French-Guiana
Argentine Chapter
January: V.P. Noriko Taniguchi placed an arrangement at the
Buenos Aires Japanese Ambassador’s residence celebrating
50 years of the Friendship Treaty between Argentina and
Japan. Ambassador Mizukami Masashi and various local
officials attended.
April: Pres. Nélida Casalí attended the 13th NAOTA
Conference in Los Angeles. Members also participated in
JAPON EN MENDOZA visited by over 14,000 people at
Mendoza City’s Nave Cultural.
May: Ms. Taniguchi exhibited an arrangement at Buenos
Aires Japan Day International Book Fair. Also, 13
arrangements were placed in the Buenos Aires 2014 Autumn
Ikebana Exhibition.
August: Members exhibited at the annual Buenos Aires I.I.
Exhibition.
September: Members participated in Buenos Aires’ Orchids
in Art Exhibition, as well as a demonstration for “Japan &
Argentina Together in Art” by invitation from the Argentina
Japanese Association.
October: Three workshops were held and members
participated in the 2014 Ohara Spring Exhibition at the
Buenos Aires Biosciences and Arts Forum.
European Ohara Teachers’ Association (EOTA) Seminar
September: C.O.P. Assoc. Prof. Sachiko Suzuki and Assist.
Prof. Masakazu Chiji will visit the EOTA Seminar hosted by
Rome Chapter.
The 14th North American Ohara Teachers’ Association
(NAOTA) Conference in Honolulu, U.S.A.
September: C.O.P. Assoc. Prof. Hirokazu Yokohigashi will
visit the 14th NAOTA Conference hosted by the Honolulu
Chapter.
Chapter board members, instructors and guest of honor, Ms. Rika Ariyoshi,
wife of the Japanese Embassy Minister at the Annual Autumn Ikebana
Exhibition. L. to R.: Secretary Leticia Tanoue, Treasurer Mirta Cortizo,
Marta Cettour, Ms. Ariyoshi, Diario del Viajero Director Elizabeth Tuma,
Pres. Nélida Casali, V.P. Ms. Taniguchi
Arizona Chapter, U.S.A.
The Chapter’s emphasis has been recruiting new students and
members. To reach our goals, we have worked closely with
the Tucson Botanical Garden and the Yume Japanese Garden.
We meet one day per month January-April, to study
advanced Ohara curriculum and in September we teach
beginning classes at the Tucson Botanical Garden.
October: An Ohara exhibition of 20 arrangements was held
at the Yume Japanese Garden accompanying a kimono exhibit.
November: Liz Strong hosted a garden party in her beautiful
rose garden. It was a lovely Sunday afternoon to relax and
enjoy each other as well as the roses. The Chapter, also,
exhibited eight arrangements at the Yume Japanese Garden
with several other ikebana groups.
Bangalore Chapter, India
September: The Chapter celebrated its 25th anniversary with
a exhibition.
November: Retired Assist. Prof. Yoshiko Ishibashi led a
two-day workshop and performed a demonstration
co-sponsored by the Consulate of Japan, Bangalore, which
was well attended by ikebana enthusiasts from other chapters
and schools. Ms. Ishibashi’s very creative and beautiful
arrangements made with local materials were admired by all
as well as her explanations of the arrangements and her
thought process in their creation.
Ms. Yoshiko Ishibashi, Ms. Deepika Mansingh, Ms. Shyamala
Ganesh with members
Belgian Chapter
January: The board was elected at the General Meeting &
New Year Reception which was followed by an ikebana
workshop themed “Sho-chiku–bai” (pine, bamboo, and
plum) with 22 participants.
March: Switzerland Chapter Pres. René Mutti led a four-day
ikebana weekend at an Ardennes holiday cottage. The 18
participants cut foliage for Heika, Hana-kanade, Hanamai,
Bunjin, Landscape Moribana & Sculptural in the natural
surrounds of the cottage garden. Engagement by master and
students resulted in beautiful arrangements. Imbued with the
Ohara ikebana spirit, fantastic meals were enthusiastically
prepared by the participants during a relaxing evening.
August: Nelly Cautereels and Jeannine Devocht led a
demonstration and workshop themed “Dahlia” in the
Brussels National Botanical Garden. Participants arranged
Basic & Advanced
Hana-isho. All visitors to
the Garden were invited
for the demonstration.
November: A workshop
was held with the topics
of Christmas and New
Year for Mawaru,
Narabu, and Free Style in
the Westmalle Castle in
Members creating Sho-chiku-bai
(pine, bamboo and plum) arrangement
Zoersel, Antwerp.
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NEWS FROM THE HEADQUARTERS
Buffalo Chapter, U.S.A.
November 2013: Exhibit for Bunka-No-Hi (Japanese Culture
Day).
April: Members attended Toronto Chapter’s 40th Anniversary
festivities with Assoc. Prof. Hirokazu Yokohigashi’s
demonstration.
September: The year’s special highlight was Jo Ellen
Budnick’s meeting with Headmaster Hiroki Ohara and his
demonstration of Heika, Landscape, and Hana-kanade.
Bergamo Chapter
Chapter activities in 2014 have been continuous and well
organized. Ikebana courses for all student levels have been
organized in the Chapter’s country house headquarters near
the town of Bergamo, which allows attendees to botanically
study branches and flowers in a huge garden and woodlands.
May: The most important activity this year has been the I.I.
seminar organized and led by Switzerland Chapter Pres.
Grandmaster René Mutti. For this
event, participants came from Italy
and several European countries.
Great appreciation has been
expressed for the teacher and his
lessons, for the enviromnent and
The Chapter’s country house
beauty of Bergamo.
Bombay Chapter, India
October 2013: To commemorate the 45th anniversary of the
Chapter, members published an ikebana desk calendar with
mesmerizing photographs of arrangements created by our
members. The Japanese Vice-Consul for Culture and
Information, Mumbai, Mr. Hiraishi introduced the calendar
at a function held at the Nehru Planetarium, Mumbai. The
desk calendar has pictures of
15 gorgeous arrangements
that have been made using
colorful flowers, dry material
and greens of different
shades. It has been admired
Pres. Ms. Doongursee (center) by several Ohara chapters all
and Mr. Hiraishi
over the world.
Chile Chapter
April: We organized an exhibition with I.I. members at the
Manquehue German Social Club. The Rimpa arrangement
was made by our Pres. Elizabeth Abarca, past Pres. Elisabeth
Zehnder, and Ms. Alejandra Miura. The exhibition was
followed by a concert of chamber music.
(back row, 3rd from right) The wife of Ambassador of Japan Mrs. Kyoko Nikai, (4th
from right) Past Pres. Elisabeth Zehnder, (3rd from right) the new Pres. Elizabeth
Abarca and chapter members at a country house near Santiago city in November
Delhi Chapter, India
The Chapter held ten meetings this year each including a
demonstration or workshop.
December: The annual exhibition was inaugurated by the
famous naturalist, Mr. Pradip Krishen. Mrs. Akiko Yagi,
spouse of the Ambassador of Japan, also presented her
ikebana arrangement in addition to addressing the meeting at
which 60 arrangements were offered. As a special tribute to
the five Headmasters, five different styles created by them
were presented by the four past presidents and present
president. The national TV network covered the event.
April: The Chapter took part in the Annual Flower Show of
the National Agriculture Institute. Pres. Meena Iyer was
interviewed on national TV about this and the Delhi Rose Show.
October: The Chapter met for the customary celebration of
Deepavali, “the
festival of lights.”
The Chapter is
preparing to welcome
Headmaster Hiroki
Ohara in March 2015
for the celebration of
our 25th anniversary. (from left) Mr. Pradip Krishen, Mrs. Akiko
Yagi and Pres. Meena Iyer
Chicago Chapter, U.S. A.
The year was exciting as we held two well-attended workshops
providing an opportunity to enhance ikebana skills and foster
friendships. The year opened with a spring workshop in
February, and closed with a fall workshop in October. We
hope to invite visiting teachers for future workshops.
June: Members took part in the ikebana exhibition at the
Chicago Japan Festival with a record 8000+ visitors, many of
whom expressed interest in ikebana.
July: Members exhibited at the annual I.I. Chicago Chapter
exhibition held at the Chicago Botanic Garden where
members also assisted visitors to create their own ikebana
arrangements.
September: The
highlight of 2014
was celebrating our
15th anniversary,
the Crystal Year,
with a display of
arrangements done
in crystal containers
of varying sizes and Some exhibition participants with Pres. E-Ling
Lou (front row, 2nd from right)
shapes.
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England Chapter
May: We had a magnificent one-day workshop led by
Northern Lazio and Umbria, Italy S.G. Leader
Sub-Grandmaster Silvana Mattei Martini. Silvana
demonstrated and discussed Radial Form front view and
multisided, and Moribana Water Reflecting Style.
July: We have exhibited since 2000 at the Royal Horticultural
Society Hampton Court Palace Flower Show. This year’s
theme, “The Circus,” was challenging for ikebana, until we
discovered commonality between the circus and ikebana.
Circus skills require balance, dexterity, and concentration
with artistic flair, as does ikebana. Based on this, we created
our arrangements on
stage in various
styles such as
Circular Form,
Radial Form,
One-row Form,
Hanamai,
Hana-kanade, and
Free Style. The
Pres. Yuko Garrett (front row, center), exhibition
exhibit was awarded organizer Ms. Chikako Mita (front row, 2nd from
left) and the chapter members
the Bronze Medal.
NEWS FROM THE HEADQUARTERS
France Chapter
May 2013: Grandmaster Marcel Vrignaud celebrated his
jubilee year of ikebana at the French Horticultural Society in
Paris. Fifty years dedicated to teaching and promotion of
Ohara Ikebana in Europe–he stays at the disposal of the
groups, associations and chapters to continue his long
experience in the service of each. He has given hundreds of
classes and demonstrations throughout Europe, teaching over
2000 students since beginning his ikebana teaching in 1966,
his regular courses in Paris have been suspended. He will
continue to inform members about the evolution of ikebana,
seminars, publications, exhibitions, demonstrations. A new
rosebush is now going to appear in the French rose
catalogues called “Marcel Vrignaud.” It is a climbing red,
ever-bearing and fragrant bush which will be officially
presented in Paris next year during an ikebana exhibition
named “The Place of the Rose in Japanese Compositions.”
Mr. Vrignaud and Ms. Susy Vallée
The new rose
“Marcel Vrignaud”
France North Chapter
December 2013: Decorations were completed for the
Japanese Emperor’s Birthday celebration for Mr. P. Lesaffre,
Honorary Consul of Japan in Lille.
March: The Chapter exhibited at the International Orchid
Exhibition in the Vaucelles Abbey near Cambri.
May: Members participated in the plant festival in the
gardens, Le Septentrion, Marcq en Baroeul near Lille.
June: Members demonstrated in the urban garden
Chimonobambusa in Lille and at the “Long Lasting
Development” class with MRes Art: Exhibition Studies.
September: Held classes in Arras, Cambrai, Lille, Montreuil,
and participated in the Forum of the Associations in Lens,
Arras, and “Open Door” in Cambrai classroom.
October: Exhibition at the first artistic meetings of the
Vaucelles Abbey in Scheldt.
November: The Chapter celebrated “25 Years of Ikebana in
Cambrai” with a demonstration by Marc Kapella and an
exhibition in the Cambrai City Hall.
The members at the event “25 years of Ikebana in Cambrai”
Greek Chapter
December 2013: The Japanese Embassy invited Pres. Joanna
Barczyk to create two ikebana arrangements for the
celebration of H.I.H. the Emperor of Japan.
January: “On the occasion of the 30th Anniversary of the
Greek Chapter and the celebration of the New Year, a
festivity was organized at the Yacht Club of Greece in
Piraeus. The highlight of this festivity, Mme. Kikuko
Nishibayashi, spouse of H.E. the Ambassador of Japan in
Greece, was nominated Honorary President of the Greek
Chapter by Pres. Joanna Barczyk. Mme. Nishibayashi
assured chapter members that the Japanese Embassy will
continue to support the activities of the Greek Chapter.
(center) Mme. Kikuko Nishibayashi, wife
of the Japanese Ambassador to Greece,
(second from right) Mrs. Peggy Kodera,
spouse of the Japanese Consul, (second
from left) Mrs. Joanna Barczyk and
ladies from the Japanese community
(From left to right) Cultural Attaché Ms.
E. Mashiko, Mrs. Kodera, the Japanese
Ambassador to Greece Mr. Masuo
Nishibayashi and Mme. Nishibayashi,
Japanese Embassy Counsellor Mr. S. Ueda
and chapter board members at the Yacht
Club of Greece in Piraeus.
Hyderabad Chapter, India
March: Members organized an exhibition celebrating the late
Grandmaster Horyu Meena Anantnarayan’s birthday.
June: A workshop took place at the Chapter’s premises with
a talk by a trustee of the Shanti Ashram Charitable Society to
create awareness about HIV positive children.
August: The General Meeting was held.
September: Members fundraised for Shanti Ashram
Charitable Society in aid of underprivileged HIV positive
orphan children.
October: Hosho Usha Bhagia led a Hana-kanade workshop.
November: Retired Assist. Prof. Yoshiko Ishibashi conducted
two workshops. Japanese Consul General in Chennai
Masanori Nakano graced the release of the autobiography “A
Life With Ikebana” by
the late Horyu Meena
Anantnarayan.
December: Members
visited Bio Diversity
Park where trees from
all over the world have
Mr. Ishibashi (center) and chapter members
been planted.
Jordan Chapter, Jordan
December 3, 2013: The Ikebana International Flower Show
was held at a five-star hotel where the presence of Ohara
School was overwhelming with several arrangements.
June 25, 2014: Ohara School members were invited to an
end-of-season lunch. Instructors displayed beautiful
summery arrangements for the members to enjoy. Origami
flowers were displayed and members were shown the
techniques of origami. Pres. Fatina Kabariti did a brief report
of the anticipated
activities. Members
practiced Ohara
ikebana with their
instructors all
through the year
and participated
individually in
spreading ikebana
knowledge.
The workshop at King Hussein Club
Kaohsiung Chapter, Taiwan
March: Members celebrated
the 33rd chapter anniversary
in Han-Hsien Hotel with
C.O.P. Advisor Kuniaki Seki
from Japan invited to
demonstrate for 250 members
with Pres. Su Jen Lee
Prof. Seki demonstrating with
translation by Ms. Lee.
translating.
5
NEWS FROM THE HEADQUARTERS
La Jolla Chapter, U.S.A.
March: The Spring Flower Exhibition was held at the
Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park. Many visitors
attended, not only to view our beautiful arrangements, but
also to appreciate the various spring landscapes, in particular
the cherry blossoms in full bloom.
April: Members Yaeko Ohta, Lillian Tu and Chris Iwasa,
attended the 13th NAOTA conference in Los Angeles.
July: To celebrate our 33rd anniversary our members gave a
toast to another successful year and a bright future with a
field trip to the Mingei Museum.
October: The Chapter hosted the Autumn Flower Exhibition
at the Japanese Friendship
Garden with beautiful
displays emphasizing the
fall colors. The
arrangements created a
sharp contrast to the
Japanese rock garden.
The members toast a successful year
Los Angeles Chapter, U.S.A.
The Chapter has been extremely active with events almost
every month in 2014. We performed a demonstration at the
I.I. New Year’s luncheon, held a five-week exhibit at the
Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, gave a
“Living Arts” demonstration for Huntington Library donors,
held a Katen (exhibition) as part of the Nisei Week event, and
continued regular workshops throughout the year.
Our big event was certainly the 13th NAOTA conference,
with 60 teachers from across North America. The attendees
were thrilled with Assoc. Prof. Hirokazu Yokohigashi’s
detailed explanations during the workshops. The last session
where everyone had to choose their own materials and styles
was a great challenge, and at the end, Prof. Yokohigashi
selected some of
the best
arrangements. It
was a wonderful
learning
experience for
everyone.
Chapter members at the NAOTA conference in April
Milan Chapter, Italy
In addition to the usual ikebana related lectures, there have
been two major events:
June: The ikebana workshop with Grandmaster Annik Howa
Gendrot in the splendid setting of Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo
on Lake of Como. The seminar began with a visit to the park
of the Villa, followed by a public demonstration by Ms.
Gendrot in a beautiful room of the Villa Museum.
October: With energy and commitment, teachers and
students set up the annual exhibition at the Società
Umanitaria in Milan in the beautiful wisteria cloister built in
1400, Chiostro dei Glicini, at the Umanitaria in Milan. The
exhibition welcomed a large, attentive audience.
Thanks to the good and wise organization by the entire
Council and the enthusiastic participation of all members, the
two events were highly successful.
Participants of the
exhibition in Milan
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Montreal Chapter, Canada
We continue to welcome new and regular students to
bi-monthly classes September to June.
February: Pres. Lynne Williams and Ms. Adrienne Doedel
demonstrated and explained the history of Rimpa, Bunjin,
and Morimono arrangements for I.I. Ms. Truus Roest-Chapman
did an arrangement at Montreal’s Orchid Expo.
April: Three members attended the NAOTA Conference. Ms.
Williams did the welcoming arrangement and Ms. Helen
Palazy demonstrated at I.I.’s Annual Exhibition in the
Montreal Botanical Garden’s Japanese Pavilion.
July: First Term Master Shiomi Yamamoto of the
Hamamatsu Chapter led a Hana-kanade workshop.
August: Ms. Williams participated in two workshops while
attending I.I.’s 8th European Regional Conference in
Potsdam. Five members of the Montreal Chapter attended the
Ottawa Chapter’s 25th
Anniversary with
workshops and a
demonstration by Assoc.
Prof. Nishi with Ms.
Doedel and Ms.
Williams assisting.
December: Ms.
Williams did a festive
holiday arrangement at
the Emperor’s birthday Ms. Yamamoto from Japan with chapter
members at Hana-kanade workshop
celebration.
Monterey Bay
Chapter, U.S.A.
Members meet once a
month to practice
arrangement with
Rimiko Ogura-sensei.
January: Our annual
Spring Workshop with Ogura-sensei
membership meeting
was held in and followed by a New Years’ party.
April: The Chapter held a workshop on Hana-kanade and Shakei.
May: Ms. Ogura demonstrated to celebrate Japanese
American Heritage Days and to introduce Japanese culture at
an event organized by the Old Fisherman’s Wharf
Association and the Japanese American Citizen League
(JACL) of the Monterey Peninsula.
July: Demonstrations were performed as well as 20
members’ arrangements displayed for the well-attended
Obon festival at the Buddhist Temple in Seaside.
Netherlands Chapter
December 2013: A Morimono workshop using various
flowers and vegetables led by Pres. Conny van Dongen for
36 members was held during the annual meeting. Certificates
were also distributed to eight students, including two who
received Second Term Masters’ Degrees.
May: A study day for teachers was organized with flowers
participants brought to study Rimpa arrangement.
Participants discussed their material choice and technique
after making their arrangements.
July-August: Two summer workshops were held at the
President's atelier, Rimpa in July and a Yoso-oi workshop in
August. At the summer workshops, plenty of summer
varieties were used, and members enjoyed making
arrangements in a relaxed atmosphere. For more pictures,
please visit our new website which launched this September:
http://www.ikebana-ohara.nl/
NEWS FROM THE HEADQUARTERS
Chapter members
receiving certificates
New York Area Chapter, U.S.A.
March: Consul General and Mrs. Kusaka invited members,
along with the IINY board, and the diplomatic community to
a demonstration by Headmaster Hiroki Ohara and later, to
chat with him over tea.
June: Members and friends honored Mr. Tomita’s 80th
birthday in En Restaurant’s exquisite surroundings with
delicious food and congenial company making a perfectly
memorable afternoon.
September: NAOTA implemented a visit where
Headmaster’s work was seen again in the New York/New
Jersey area at West Point Military Academy where he gave
an intriguing talk about ikebana and assembled several
arrangements for the cadets and NAOTA members. The next
day, another demonstration, including the first Hana-kanade
done by Headmaster in the U.S., plus a joyous luncheon and
reunion of old friends as even more Ohara teachers from all
over the country gathered in Hoboken.
October: We placed arrangements in the IINY spring and fall
flower shows held in the Metropolitan Museum of Art
Japanese Galleries. First Master and Treasurer Yumiko Tomita
did a six-arrangement
demonstration for an
audience of 60.
Visitors are welcome to
monthly workshops led by
Grandmaster Mutsuo Tomita
on the 2nd Tuesday of the
month. Facebook: Ohara
School of Ikebana New York Headmaster, Ms. Hashimoto (2nd from
left) and the chapter members
Area Chapter.
Northern California, U.S.A.
The Chapter’s 50th anniversary, chaired by Pres. Mitsuko
Maruyama, was celebrated with an exhibition of 50 members
arrangements at the Jodo Shinshu Center in Berkeley, CA.
Twelve members demonstrated over three days. Present at the
banquet were the wives of the Consul General of Japan, Mrs.
Kazue Watanabe, and the Bishop of the Buddhist Church of
America, Mrs. Janet Umezu, both of whom spoke beautifully.
Monterey Ohara Chapter and the Ohara Society of San Diego,
as well as the heads of all of the Bay Area ikebana schools
celebrated with the Chapter. A special pleasure was the address
by Grandmaster Kayoko Suiyo Fujimoto of her experiences in
the Chapter. Headmaster sent a “Certificate of Appreciation”
for Ms. Fujimoto’s 50 years of devotion to Ohara Ikebana as a
founding member of the
Chapter. Additionally, long
term members of more than 40
years, several of whom
exhibited in the show, were
given bouquets and honored for
their constancy and
contributions over the years.
Grandmaster Fujimoto with her
large autumn Rimpa arrangement The evening was MC’d by Bill
at the entry of the show.
Toy.
The membership participating
in the “Blessing of the Flowers”
(Hanakuyo) service conducted
by Reverend Dennis Fujimoto,
son of Advisor Suiyo Fujimoto
who is standing to his left and
Pres. Mitsuko Maruyama to
her left.
Northern Ohio Chapter, U.S.A.
The Chapter had another active year with seven one-day
workshops at the Cleveland Botanical Garden (CBG) led by
five different instructors and a good turnout by our 52
members. Many members of our Chapter continued to be
actively teaching.
May: Our highlight was participation in an ikebana
exhibition at CBG featuring 15 arrangements that created
great interest in the art of ikebana among visitors.
March: Grandmaster
Ingrid Lüders gave a
spectacular demonstration
at the Cleveland Museum
of Art assisted by Mikiko
Fujita.
September: Second Term
Master Isa Ranganathan
began teaching a full
Grandmaster Ingrid Lüders giving an ikebana
credit course on
demonstration at the Cleveland Museum of Art.
“Japanese Ikebana” at
John Caroll
University–the first time a
major university has had
ikebana studies in their
Arts & Science
curriculum. Isa’s lectures
focus on the Ohara
School, its arrangements, (3rd from right) Ms. Ranganathan with her
and the history of ikebana. students at John Caroll University in Cleveland.
Ottawa Chapter, Canada
This year has been a very active and exciting one as we
celebrated our 25th anniversary. We were honoured to have
Assoc. Prof. Akihiro Nishi come to Ottawa, where he taught
four workshops and conducted a wonderful demonstration
for an audience that included Japanese Ambassador to
Canada H.E. Mr. and Mrs. Norihiro Okuda.
January: The Embassy of Japan graciously hosted our
annual exhibition, So Shun (Waiting for Spring).
March: Members participated in the annual I.I. exhibition
hosted by the Canadian Museum of Nature
April: We exhibited at the Ottawa Orchid Society Show.
November: We exhibited at the Gananoque Ohara students’ event.
December: Mitsugi Kikuchi created a wonderful floor
arrangement for the Japanese national holiday event, “The
Celebration of H.I.H. the Emperor of Japan” held by the
Embassy of Japan.
Several workshops led by
First Term Master Grace
Furuya and Second Term
Master Marie-Eve Coupal
were held. While officially
retired, our Honorary
Advisor Emeritus
Sub-Grandmaster Kikuchi Mr. Nishi creating a large arrangement
with Canadian maple.
assisted.
7
NEWS FROM THE HEADQUARTERS
Paris Chapter, France
January: The Chapter started 2014 with Lila Dias as President
and 36 new members. Invited by the National Society of
Horticulture of France, Ms. Annik Gendrot held a demonstration
with six large arrangements accompanied by music titled
“Winter Wind,” which was highly appreciated by the Japanese
Ambassador’s wife, and a great international audience.
March: Ms. Dias participated in a charity event “Rebirth,” at
the Japanese Cultural House to help the tsunami’s victims, led
by the choreographer Nobuyoshi Asai, dancers, pianist and
ikebana artists performed for 300 people. Ikebana masters
performing Sky, Earth, and Sea, brought a message of hope in
the rebirth of life with the human beings’ cooperation. The
joined works formed a 7m wide by 3m high large scale
landscape depicting the union between sky, earth and sea with
rebirth after disaster. Ending, Chiharu Otake, dancing like a
butterfly, sang the praise of the rebirth of nature.
May: Ms. Dias with two lacquer masters and their students,
organized a nine-day acclaimed Ikebana-Lacquer exhibition
with the themes: wind, water, spirit of leaves, Rimpa and
Bunjin paintings, which will be done again in the Carrousel
du Louvre in December 2014.
Mrs. Suzuki, wife of the Japanese Ambassador to France (2nd from left), Ms.
Gendrot (3rd from left), Ms. Dias (center) and chapter members at NSHF
Pittsburgh Chapter, U.S.A.
The year was exciting as. Pres. Marilyn Berry and V.P. Joyce
Peterson held numerous demonstrations and taught
workshops. Members exhibited at Phipps Conservatory
during the spring and fall flower shows and in the 55th
anniversary celebration of I.I. Chapter #25. The Chapter
continues to hold meetings and group lessons at Forest Hills
Presbyterian Church. Marilyn opened a studio for private and
group lessons.
For information about the Ohara School Pittsburgh Chapter:
http://www.ohararyu.or.jp/english/overseas/ovr_ pittsburgh.html
Rome Chapter, Italy
October: EOTA Pres. Annamaria Ratto with her team led a
successful seminar attended by 73 participants from many
different European countries and from overseas.
European Masters Eliane Gagneux, Annik Gendrot, Inge
Lehnert, Renè Mutti, Marcel Vrignaud taught five different
workshops with outstanding results. Cruising the Tiber up to
Ostia Antica was the excursion. EOTA Members have started
to organize their return to Rome next year again. Assoc. Prof.
Sachiko Suzuki and Assist. Prof. Masakazu Chiji will lead
the EOTA seminar, at Congress Centre Salesianum in Rome
from 6th to 20th September, 2015.
The participants of EOTA seminar in Rome
8
NEWS FROM THE HEADQUARTERS
Sao Paulo Chapter, Brazil
September: A taisaku arrangement was done at the cathedral
in the São Paulo University Law School. Pres. Massayo
Yamamoto does weekly flower arrangements in São Paulo
for Globo TV, Mitsui Co, Mitsui Rail and the law offices of
Lautenschleger,
Romeiro and
Iwamizu. Ms.
Yamamoto and the
members
participated in the
Annual Calendar
of the Ikebana
Association of
Brazil and São
Paulo Annual
Ms. Emi Yamaguchi, director in Mitsui Co.with
Pres.Yamamoto
Japan Festival.
South Africa Chapter
October: We celebrated our 35th anniversary with an
unforgettable demonstration by Retired Assist. Prof. Yoshiko
Ishibashi and a seminar of nine classes for 35 students. We
really benefited from her knowledge, professionalism, and
talent. It was a wonderful experience to have a lesson on
Hana-kanade by a teacher from Japan. We hope to have the
privilege to invite
a master in the
near future again.
We also want to
thank Headmaster
Hiroki Ohara, for
his kind words of
congratulation on
our 35th
Ms. Ishibashi and chapter members
anniversary.
Seattle Chapter, U.S.A.
The Chapter has been busy with exhibits, demonstrations and
workshops. Our annual exhibit was an opportunity to
promote some of our newer teachers. Usually, our senior
teachers, Pres. Phyllis Danielson and past Presidents Aiko
Fujii and Kazumi Shimizu, have presented the
demonstrations at
our exhibits, but this
year we had Rika
Hashimoto, Judy
Harpel and Karen
Nagata do so. They
did an excellent job
during the two-day
exhibit, bringing
much acclaim from
the audiences. We
Judy Harpel demonstrating Morimono with
daylily, orchids, driftwood and vegetables.
are proud of them.
Southeastern U.S. Chapter, U.S.A.
Our Chapter hosted two excellent three-day seminars in July
and September in Highlands, N.C. We had the benefit of the
knowledge and instruction of Grandmaster Betty F. Taylor
and Mr. Jose Salcedo. We always enjoy these experiences
and each other.
September: The
chapter
newsletter was
re-introduced to
keep members
informed and
The participants of the seminar
connected.
Singapore Chapter
March: The Chapter celebrated its 30th anniversary at the
Singapore Orchard Parade Hotel with a luncheon followed
by a demonstration by Ms. Yuko Niiji, from Japan, and an
exhibition titled “In Blooms” in the Japan Creative Centre,
Singapore. We were very honored by the attendance of Mrs.
Nobuko Takeuchi, wife of the Japanese Ambassador to
Singapore; Deputy Chief of the Mission Embassy of Japan
and Director of Japan Creative Centre Mr. Toshihide Ando,
Mrs. Ando; and I.I. Singapore Pres. Marvina Low. The event
was well attended by chapter members and members from
Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Canada chapters. Ms.
Niiji stunned the
audience with five
beautiful
demonstration pieces
including Hana-isho,
Landscape, Heika
and Rimpa. The
exhibition was
opened to the public
for three days with
over 180 visitors
featuring 35
The celebration luncheon: (1st row from left)
arrangements by
Grace Chan, Mrs. Takeuchi, Ms. Yuko
Singapore members Pres.
Niiji (2nd row from left) Ms. Helene Vigeant,
and 12 from Hong
Ms. Ando, Ms. Evelyn Sam, Ms. Low, and Ms.
Daisy Koh.
Kong.
Switzerland Chapter
January: Pres. René Mutti conducted a workshop on
one-material Heika and Bunjin Moribana with skinnywood,
cornus, waxflowers, cordyline and two kinds of guzmania.
June: V.P. Eliane Hosui Gagneux and Mr. Mutti invited
members to attend a seminar near Basel. Mr. Mutti
demonstrated a Realistic Landscape water-view using prunus
cerasifera, acer palmatum, bambusa nitida, equisetum, hosta
coerulea variegated, one yellow calla, two nymphaea, and
galax leaves. Ms. Gagneux explained the origin and
development of Hosun Shakei (miniature Landscape). She
had prepared a small exhibition including seven small
arrangements, as well as a lottery for the participants so that
each one received a
different selection of
materials. The seminar
was rich and
successful, and the
participants very
thankful.
Ms. Gagneux (left) and Mr. Mutti
Tainan Chapter, Taiwan
February: We held a 14-day joint exhibition with Tainan
Flower Arrangement Association which had 20,000 visitors.
It was the most visited exhibition of the Mitsukoshi
Department Store in Tainan.
March: Prof. Kuniaki Seki visited Tainan with Yamanashi
Pres. Hoka Sunada. Prof. Seki conducted four workshops:
Hana-isho One-row Form, Rimpa, Hana-kanade, and
Sculptural. During the workshops, participants enjoyed and
learned a lot from the instructions and demonstrations.
April and November: Members went to Taipei to admire the
Headmaster’s demonstrations.
(1st row from left) Ms. Sunada, Prof. Seki, Chapter Founder Ms. Mikami,
and Pres. George Wang with members after the workshop.
Toronto Chapter, Canada
April: Our 40th anniversary was held at the Toronto
Botanical Garden. We were honored to have Assoc. Prof.
Hirokazu Yokohigashi who conducted two days of
workshops, assisted by interpreter, Ms. Hiroko Matsuyama
from the New England Study Group. His demonstration was
the highlight of the event with the presentation of seven
arrangements ranging from very classical to contemporary
styles. Our guest of honor–Consul General of Japan in
Toronto Mr. Eiji Yamamoto prolonged his visit to enjoy the
demonstration. A sayonara banquet and day trip to Niagara
Falls were a nice finale for Sensei’s stay in Toronto.
Congratulatory messages received from Headmaster, the
Protocol Offices of Toronto Mayor, and our Ontario Premier
were framed and displayed.
May: Four members attended the North America Regional
Conference in Asheville, NC.
September: Members joined the NAOTA group for two
demonstrations presented by Headmaster and assisted by Mr.
Yokohigashi at West Point and in New York’s Fig Tree Restaurant.
Mr. Yokohigashi giving a
demonstration
Washington D.C. Area Chapter
Our chapter had a great year with two well-attended
workshops, a new-member coffee, garden tour, and a luncheon
for a visiting Ohara master. In addition, several members
participated in I.I.’s Spring Exhibition with many viewers at
the United States National Arboretum held during cherry
blossom season. The major schools gave free demonstrations.
Pres. Jane Bell gave the Ohara demonstration.
May: This year’s highlight was our spring garden tour in
Charlottesville, Virginia. Second V.P. Beverly Flowers arranged
for visits at two exceptional gardens, rarely open to the public,
and a farm. The gardens were very different in design and
plantings. Later, on the farm belonging to a member’s daughter,
we were treated to an elegant luncheon outdoors. Next May we
will be celebrating our chapter’s 45th anniversary!
Chapter members at the Spring Garden tour in Charlottesville.
9
NEWS FROM THE HEADQUARTERS
Study Group Reports from
September 2013 through 2014
Bologna Study Group, Italy
The Study Group has provided lessons, demonstrations,
lectures, exhibitions and events all year in Bologna, Padua,
Ferrara, and Foggia and other towns to show the beauty of
ikebana through all seasons and with different materials.
Important locations in Bologna such as museums, historical
sites, lecture halls and
public gardens were
venues for our events. We
invited other group
leaders and presidents
from different towns such
as Ms. Silvana Mattei
Martini from Rome
(Northern Lazio and
Umbria Study Group)
and Prof. Peternolli,
President of Oriental Art Leader Fiorella De Leo (third from right)
Study Center.
and SG members at a lotus pond
Boston Study Group, U.S.A.
Our interesting year of 2013-2014 included participation in
the New England Spring Flower Show in March as well as
demonstrations and teaching at a local high school. One
particularly interesting and unusual project was to
co-produce a ten-day art show with an ikebana display in the
small gallery of a school with a Japanese courtyard. Mr.
Dorsey, the Director of the school’s gallery, has been
interested in Japanese arts and coordinated with the Study
Group to make ceramic flower vases and invited our S.G.
Leader Keiko Thayer for ikebana workshops. In addition, we
are looking forward to the exciting Ohara program with
Grandmaster Mutsuo Tomita’s demonstration and workshop
co-sponsored by us and I.I. Boston Chapter in April 2015.
The members of the Brisbane Study Group at the Mt. Coot-tha
Botanical Gardens and the Old Government House
Finger Lakes Study Group, U.S.A.
S.G. Leader Saskia Eller, traveled a lot this year and brought
back much information and training from Assoc. Professors
Nishi and Yokohigashi, as well as from high-level teachers in
the USA. The study group focused on harmony of container
and materials. When advanced students practiced teaching a
basic arrangement from behind, they acquired new
appreciation for the skills of Ohara teachers.
France South Study Group, France
The most important events after our lessons were:
February: Workshops for the “Made in Asia” festival in
Toulouse.
March: A lesson on “tea spirit” ikebana and tea ceremony.
May: The lesson with Ishibashi-sensei at the Ohara Kaikan in
Tokyo with water plants during a two-week Japan tour.
July: The demonstration at the 5th Lotus Festival showed the
beauty and symbolism of lotus. Members exhibited 25
arrangements showing a broad spectrum of the Ohara
curriculum emphasizing moribana. And as well, at a four-day
seminar, ten students worked to perfect their knowledge of
plants and ikebana techniques.
August: Our members helped ministry of agriculture
members discover ikebana at a week-long seminar in Britain
near Concarneau.
October: EOTA seminar with European ikebana masters in
Rome. Followed by a two-day Rimpa lesson on Japanese
maple with a maple collector.
Ms. Thayer and
group members
Brisbane Study Group, Australia
August: Japan Week is an exhilarating time having
participated in the Japanese Cultural Day at the Mt. Coot-tha
Botanical Gardens together with other cultural groups, such
as tea ceremony, calligraphy, music, mochi making.
Demonstrations were given and ikebana displayed. The
combining of all the arts and craft groups for this annual
event attracts a very large crowd, and is considered one of the
most popular days for visitors to the Botanical Gardens.
Senior members gave a demonstration of ikebana in the
heritage building, the ‘Old Government House’, located in
the grounds of Queensland University of Technology. We
thank the Consul General of Japan, Brisbane, for sponsoring
a wonderful presentation of Japanese culture to the people of
Brisbane. S.G. Leader Misae Natsume demonstrated ikebana
at the cultural workshop for the Australia Japan Society
which attracted new students. Workshops for senior members
are cheerfully attended.
10
NEWS FROM THE HEADQUARTERS
Hangzhou Study Group, China
August: Days of rain brought coolness to Hangzhou.
Blooming wildflowers attracted a group of people who
pursue beauty and love flowers as well as life. We took the
theme of wild flower ikebana to “Mu Chen Xi” located on
the mountain of Yang Mei. The owner of “Mu Chen Xi,” Ms.
Jiang, an Ohara student, welcomed us. After a meal, we
began flower arrangement, everyone was very serious,
sometimes laughing and talking, sometimes the air was still.
At these moments, flowers and humans exchange their inner
worlds, even the sun becomes a spectator. Looking at each
person, sometimes touching the flower frowning, probably
thinking of how to start; sometimes with one hand on the
flowers, thinking. At the same time, some passers-by stop to
stay, admiring or inquiring. Even the photographers take the
opportunity to press the shutter and capture this beautiful
picture. Eventually,
the beautiful works
of Dingru are most
praised. We hate to
leave this place.
The flowers are
beautiful, the joy
and harvest in the
heart is so
meaningful.
Members at the “Mu Chen Xi” workshop
La Rochelle Study Group, France
November: The Study Group organized three master classes
led by Grandmaster Annik Howa Gendrot of five & six days
on Moribana.
February: Heika classes were held.
March: Camellia and narcissus were studied during the
seminar organized by the Milan Chapter.
May: The “Second A.H. Gendrot Ohara Ikebana
Symposium,” was organized by the Provence-Côte d’Azur
Group, Ms. Morin corrected the less advanced participants.
June: We studied grasses. The highly artistic, historical, and
technical teaching level greatly interested and enchanted the
participants from France, Belgium, Italy and Germany. S.G.
Leader Anne-Marie Morin assisted Ms. Gendrot.
August: Rimpa classes were held.
October: At the Poitiers Auditorium Theater, a four-season
landscape arrangement was produced during an interpretation
of the Japanese composer Toshio Hosokawa by string quartet
Diotima and Naomi Sato for an audience of more than 500.
The members visited “Koraku-en” in Okayama prefecture.
The performers and Ms. Morin (third from right) with her assistants
Gautam Buddha Nagar Study Group, India
We held a workshop for Noida and East Delhi in Mayur Vihar
with beginning members studying Rising and Inclining Forms.
March: To celebrate Women’s Day, Hotel Vasant Continental
organized a program of women painting, sketching,
chocolate-, candle-, and soap-making. We gave a
demonstration of five arrangements with many people
attending.
Laguna Area Study Group, U.S.A.
The Study Group welcomed two new members this year. S. G.
Leader Karen Lynn, attended the NAOTA conference and then
demonstrated new arrangement styles at the May meeting.
Members enjoy their own gardens and often bring interesting
materials to incorporate into arrangements. At the monthly
meetings group members love to share social time. This holiday
season a potluck party was held for study group members.
S.G. members (front, from left
to right) Dana Uzzo, Marilyn
Parker, Mayumi Makita, Karen
Lynn. Back row left to right:
Sally Morris, Sally Palmer,
Janet Johnson and Bren
DiGruccio.
Madrid Study Group, Spain
S. G. Leader Leonor Pozo Medina was invited by the
Japanese Association of Madrid to make an ikebana
arrangement for their annual New Year Festival “Mochitsuki,”
which was exhibited at the main hall of the Festival. It was
appreciated by the guests and the Association members.
Ms. Pozo and members were invited to the old northern
city of Zamora, 300km from Madrid, to perform a
demonstration and workshop for those interested in flower
arrangement and oriental art and culture. The people had
some knowledge of Japanese art but it was their first
occasion to see ikebana arrangements. They watched the
demonstration attentively and listened to the explanations of
the arrangements. After the demonstration, at the workshop,
they practiced a basic
Hana-isho. They enjoyed
having the opportunity to
enjoy ikebana for the
first time.
September: Ms. Pozo
attended the EOTA
Seminar in Rome with
lessons by the highest
level European
Ms. Pozo doing corrections
instructors.
Nantes West Study Group, France
The year began in partnership with Nantes for a show at the
famous park, Grand Blottereau. We did aquatic landscapes
by the lake. S.G. Leader Christine Gouy performed a
demonstration with a classical music orchestra named
Influences. In partnership with Angers town in 2014, the
Study Group organized Ikebana Discovery training several
times. The year ended with a seminar on the subject of
Kaempferi iris with Ms. Annick Gendrot at Nantes’ La
Beaujoire Park which collects this precious flower. Each
season began with an exhibit in a Nantes botanical park.
Many visitors were charmed by our compositions resulting in
23 new students. S. G. Leader Gouy gave a two-day seminar
on lotus in the famous Angers’ Terra Botanica Park with
27,500 international plants. Our exhibit was so successful,
the park director asked us to do it next year. Ms. Gouy goes
to Angers to help this group.
Ms. Gouy (center) with members
11
NEWS FROM THE HEADQUARTERS
NEWS FROM THE HEADQUARTERS
New England Study Group, U.S.A.
January: S.G. Leader Matsuyama taught Ohara ikebana to
MIT students.
May: Fourth Term Master Bower started an ikebana class at
the Boston Culture Center.
June: Students learned Hana-kanade after our annual
meeting. We now have three locations to teach the ikebana:
Worcester, Cambridge, and downtown Boston.
October: We celebrated our sixth anniversary as the New
England Study Group (NESG) in Worcester. At the
celebration, we introduced students receiving new certificates
and Director Caron of the Zen Training Center gave a
speech.
NESG also
provided monthly
ikebana classes led
by Ms. Takahashi for
young Japanese
wives who wish to
study ikebana in the
US. They were
encouraged with a
party by Ms.
Mr. Bower (center) was cerebrated after
getting his 4th Master Certificate
Matsuyama.
Portland Study Group, U.S.A.
May: Our main activity this year was our spring show, “Gift
For Our Mothers” on Mother’s Day weekend at Portland’s
Japanese Garden. Seven members celebrated Haha No Hi
with their arrangements accompanied by a handmade
Mother’s Day card. In each arrangement was a gift for the
mother who was mentioned in the card. Examples of some of
the gifts represented included a stroll through a garden
(Rimpa), a walk in the woods (Landscape Moribana), dance
tickets (Hanamai), and a concert (Hana-kanade). The exhibit
had 4,500 visitors and we had three students join our group.
September: Carolyn Alter
participated in the Festival Japan at
Uwajimaya’s store showing a 6ft.
One-row Form in three Oribe fan
suiban.
October: Carolyn Alter, Betsy
Killian, Diane Sayrizi, and Karen
Takahashi participated in the
annual mum show at the Japanese
Garden where arrangements must
include some type of
chrysanthemum. The varieties
The SG’s arrangement at
“Gift For Our Mothers”
used were amazing.
Northwest Germany Study Group
There were numerous
activities in 2014; the
highlight for the Study
Group was the three-week
exhibition for the Lower
Saxony Horticultural Show
with six demonstrations,
26 ikebanists–a marvelous
event! “Zen Garden” by
Irmgard zur Mühlen was
one of many arrangements. “Zen Garden”
Provence Côte d’Azur Study Group, France
May: Grandmaster. Annik Howa Gendrot, our advisor and
teacher for many years, approved the creation of the
Provence Côte d’Azur Study Group. S.G. Leader Monique
Levantis organized the second five-day symposium in honor
of our Honorary Pres. Gendrot. Ms. Gendrot gave a
demonstration assisted by Ms. Levantis for 100 spectators.
Her six compositions were accompanied by a harpist. Forty
students attended a four-day seminar, all of whom worked
with the very special floral materials of Provence Côte
d’Azur. And with the great success of this symposium, La
Rochelle, Pertuis, Belgium Chapter is organizing the same
event in Belgium in June 2015.
Northern Lazio and Umbria Study Group, Italy
In Autumn 2014 the Japanese Cultural Institute of Rome
hosted an exhibition on contemporary Japanese crafts titled
“Gorgeous/Sober.” I.I. was invited to hold three
demonstrations on different dates with I.I. Rome Pres.
Silvana Mattei, demonstrating each time. Inspired by the
intriguing title of the exhibition, Ms. Mattei, assisted by
members, made two different compositions at every
encounter trying to enhance the characteristics that
distinguish our school from the others. The compositions
inspired by Gorgeous were: an autumnal Rimpa, Free Style,
autumnal Realistic Landscape; and inspired by Sober: a
basket, Hanamai, and mini Rimpa. We were honored by the
presence of H.E. the Ambassador of Japan and his spouse
and the spouse of
H.E. the
Ambassador of
Japan at the Holy
See. More than 450
people attended the
demonstrations and
more than 2,000
visited the
exhibition where the
ikebana works were (from left) Ms. M. Mezaki (Ikenobo), Ms.
displayed after the
Mattei (Ohara) and Mr. Farinelli and
Mr. Ramacciotti (Sogetsu)
demonstrations.
12
Ms. Gendrot (left) and
Ms. Levantis
The attendees of the symposium
Rhone-Alpes St. Etienne, France
Pine is the material of choice for working on Traditional and
Realistic Methods of Landscape. We organized a five-day
workshop in central France led by Grandmaster Annik Howa
Gendrot in the garden of the castle of Goutelas known for the
quality and beauty of their pine trees. Given the very positive
feedback from
participants
and the
request to
continue,
another
workshop has
been planned
in the same
location on
The attendees at the workshop
April 2015.
South West England Study Group, U.K.
The exhibition of Japanese work for the area show of the
National Association of Flower Arrangement
Societies–London and Overseas was well received and
created a great deal of interest. Many lessons and
demonstrations were done and the Study Group increased in
size by 12 new members. We also managed to send for
eleven certificates
and eight members
of the Study Group
now belong to
EOTA.
September: We did a
workshop for I.I.
this year and will do
a demonstration for
I.I. in London next
June. The Study
Group is a thriving,
Five members who set up an exhibition for
happy group and we NAFAS–London and Overseas.
(from left to right) Rachel Neave, Pres. of
look forward to
London and Overseas Group and member
expanding our
Jan Law, S.G. Leader Diane Norman,
Marilyn Nourse, and Fay Charlesworth.
knowledge in 2015.
Stockholm Study Group, Sweden
Regular and Advanced classes are held every other Monday
October – December 2013 Beginners’ class every other
Tuesday February – June 2014
November: Demonstration for I.I. Stockholm Chapter.
February: Arrangements for architect Eero Koivisto
published in the monthly magazine “Residence.”
April: Arrangements for architects Claesson Koivisto Rune,
published in the magazine “Vogue Deco,” among others.
May: Participation at the Paris Chapter exhibition at Olivier
de Serre, Paris. Activities
and preparatory meetings
for the exhibition,
demonstration, and
introductory class for
members of Uppsala
University, ”Ikebana and
Contemporary Ikebana
Workshop.“Plant Art”
December 2013 – Aug
2014
September: Assisted the
Paris Chapter in the
organization of their lotus
workshop in the south of
The workshop at Uppsala University
France.
Tunisia Study Group, Tunisia
Every year we have
the honor to
participate in the
Japanese National
Day.
October: We
participated in the
exhibition of Japanese
Traditional Culture.
The successful
ikebana arrangements H.E. Juichi Takahara, Japanese Ambassador
attracted the attention to Tunisia and S.G. Leader Chiraz Khrouf
on Japanese National Day
of the public.
Venice Study Group, Italy
December 2013: A Morimono arrangement by S.G. Leader
Paola Piras to welcome the Year of the Horse at the Oriental
Art Museum of Ca’ Pesaro in Venice.
May: Ikebana demonstration and workshop by Elisabetta
Salmasi and Margherita Ferrari for the XXIX International
Congress of Bonsai Science and Technique at Arco di Trento.
Also, an ikebana demonstration and workshop was led by
Ms.Piras at the Museum of Villa Sartorio in Trieste by
invitation of the Italy-Japanese Association Yu Jo. A new
beginners’ course will start in Trieste conducted by Ms. Piras.
Our main event this year was “Flowers in the Lagoon”
held at the Serra dei Giardini with a demonstration by
Grandmaster Marcel Vrignaud. His successful demonstration
attracted a large audience
of ikebanists and flower
lovers with his exquisite
arrangements much
admired by all those who
attended the demonstration
and the convivial buffet
dinner that followed in the Mr. Vrignaud and Ms. Piras at
“Flowers in the Lagoon”
beautiful Serra gardens.
Domestic Activities in 2014
I.I. Tokyo Founding Chapter Demonstration
November 21: C.O.P. Assoc. Prof. Ami Kudo assisted by
Assist. Prof. Hiroyuki Kawakami, gave a demonstration for
the I.I. TFC’s meeting at
Aoyama Diamond Hotel,
Tokyo. Aside from the
arrangements, what
pleased the audience was
that Ms. Kudo’s maple
printed kimono
harmonized with the real
maples in the
Ms. Kudo dressed in kimono with the
demonstration.
autumn arrangements
Lecture-Demonstrationfor Diplomat Trainees
December 1: C.O.P. V.P. Koji Kanamori gave a lecture and
demonstration, assisted by Mr. Masakazu Chiji, as a part of
the educational
program for 150
young diplomats of
the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs
who are to be
assigned to new
diplomatic mission
posts in 2015.
Mr. Kanamori giving a lecture
I.I. Fair
December 8: C.O.P. Prof. Atsuko Kosaku exhibited at the I.I.
Fair at the Tokyo Prince
Hotel on behalf of the
Headmaster Hiroki Ohara.
Headmaster and the
Chairperson of C.O.P.
Kiyoko Ohara greeted
Princess Takamado when
she viewed the
Headmaster and Ms. Kiyoko Ohara
arrangements.
13
NEWS FROM THE HEADQUARTERS
Presentation Ceremony of Certificates
for Special Degrees and Award of Honor
May 16, 2014: We welcomed eight members from overseas as
well as 255 members in Japan at the Presentation Ceremony
for the Special Certificates 2014 at Hotel Okura Kobe.
Participants from overseas chapters in the Presentation Ceremony
Sub-Grand Masters’ Degree
Mayumi Araki, Rome Chapter
Ronell Douglass, Delaware Valley Chapter
Silvana Mattei, Rome Chapter
First Term Masters’ Degree
Sheela Vagholikar, Bombay Chapter
葵鳳珠, Kaohsiung Chapter
孫之華, Kaohsiung Chapter
Christian Audebert, Paris Chapter
Denise Rolland, Paris Chapter
Claire Pires Gessert, Paris Chapter
Heidi Anna Kung, Switzerland Chapter
Diane Norman, Southwest England Study Group
Noriko Naruishi, Los Angeles Chapter
Judith Melton, Southeastern U.S. Chapter
Elaine Arita, Honolulu Chapter
Kathryn Andersen, Delaware Valley Chapter
Young Lee Oh, Delaware Valley Chapter
Kyungja Kim, Delaware Valley Chapter
Jane Bell, Washington D.C. Area Chapter
Associate First Term Masters’ Degree
Grace Chan, Singapore Chapter
王愛惇, Kaohsiung Chapter
李淑瑱, Kaohsiung Chapter
Greet Vervoort, Belgian Chapter
Evelyne Eldin, France Chapter
Beatrice Pasenau, France Chapter
Anne Roussel, France Chapter
Simone Gueredrat, France Chapter
Christiane Demesy, France Chapter
Gisela Leuther, Frankfurt-Main Chapter
Christine Hamer, Frankfurt-Main Chapter
Romilda Iovacchini, Rome Chapter
Yuri Maruyama, Rome Chapter
Bernadette Koch, Switzerland Chapter
Anne-Marie Clerima, Antilles Guyane Chapter
Marie-Anne Cochet, Rhone-Alpes St. Etienne Study Group
Monique Levantis, Provence Côte d’ Azur Study Group
許來慈, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Jackie Zhang, San Diego
Second Term Masters’ Degree
Mythili Ramaswamy, Delhi Chapter
Hari Kumari, Hyderabad Chapter
林晏珠, Kaohsiung Chapter
王愛俤, Kaohsiung Chapter
蔡素蛍, Kaohsiung Chapter
王秀蓮, Tainan Chapter
其, Tainan Chapter
黄育 蔡沿穂, Tainan Chapter
Hanna Kong, Hong Kong
Roberte Cailliez, France Chapter
14
Lily Boehler, France Chapter
Nadine Harivel, France Chapter
Denise Scholler, France Chapter
Robert Ng Kon Tia, France Chapter
Caludine Beduin, France Chapter
Annie Lagasse, France Chapter
Yuriko Breton, France Chapter
Margarita Menegaki, Greek Chapter
Anna Massari, Milan Chapter
Marie-Claude Dutrut, Antilles Guyane Chapter
Ghislaine Negouai, Antilles Guyane Chapter
Evelyne Bourrouillou, Antilles Guyane Chapter
Camille Pancarte, Antilles Guyane Chapter
Damien Dufour, France South Study Group
Kathy Ho, Los Angeles Chapter
Patricia Rourke, Southeastern U.S. Chapter
Cynthia Carson, Southeastern U.S. Chapter
Bette Uyeda, Honolulu Chapter
Helen Westington, Ottawa Chapter
Noriko McDaniel, San Diego
We will remember you…
Ms. Hisako Bourlet
England Chapter Past President, Ms.
Hisako Bourlet passed away November 1,
2014 in London. It was sudden to us and
we still cannot face this fact. It was just a
year ago that she held an exhibition to
celebrate her 40th anniversary of teaching
Ohara ikebana with her family, friends, and
chapter members in England. All of her students have always
enjoyed lessons in her home with her warm hospitality. She
served an important role in EOTA as well. We would like to
extend our sincere thanks for her long years of cooperation
and devotion to the Ohara School. May her spirit rest in peace.
Ms. Ryusui Takahashi
With deep regret and sorrow, we also
inform you of the passing of Mrs. Ryusui
Takahashi in Tokyo Chapter, who passed
away at the age of 96 on December 28,
2014. Mrs. Takahashi was one of a great
contributor to overseas members for
decades. Here is the message on behalf of
her students in India.
“Message in the Memory of Late Respected Takahashi Sensei
She was the best sensei and close to our hearts in Mumbai. She
taught us the true spirit of ikebana and nurtured that art in all of
us. My very personal experience with Sensei was “Asked
anything and I was taught.” That was her greatness. All these
years she was a driving spirit and icon in her own way.
May her soul rest in peace. Our deep condolences to her family.
Nalini Doongursee and all members of the Bombay Chapter.”
Announcement
The revised version of “IKEBANA FOR EVERYBODY”
will come out in April 2015. The sample arrangements have
been revised to reflect the samples in the Japanese textbooks.
Hana-kanade has been added as well.