Ohara Ikebana Exhibition: Fall Colours, Reflection of Canadian Soul

On October 4th and 5th, the Embassy of Japan, in collaboration with the Ohara School of Ikebana Ottawa Chapter, held the Ohara Ikebana Exhibition entitled “Fall Colours, Reflection of Canadian Soul” at the Embassy’s Information and Cultural Centre. Over the two days, approximately 520 people attended. The exhibition featured works that preserved the natural form of the plants while emphasizing harmony in shape and colour, expressing the autumn foliage and the season’s harvest.
 
The opening ceremony on the first day of the exhibition was attended by Ambassador Kanji Yamanochi, welcoming Member of Parliament Ernie Klassen of the Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group as a guest of honor. The ceremony was emceed by Mr. Derek Kitchen, Vice President and Exhibition Chair of the Ohara School of Ikebana Ottawa Chapter, followed by a speech from Ms. Wendy Batson, President of the Chapter. Ms. Batson stated that ikebana is an art form that brings Japan and Canada together, and expressed her gratitude to all those involved as well as to the Embassy of Japan for their continued support of the Chapter’s growth. Ambassador Yamanouchi gave his remarks stating that ikebana fosters mutual respect and understanding between Japan and Canada, brings hope even amid the complexities of today’s international environment, and delivers beauty in challenging times. He then concluded by declaring the exhibition open.

 

Ambassador Yamanouchi delivering his remarks	Ms. Batson, President of the Ohara School of Ikebana Ottawa Chapter, giving her remarks	Mr. Kitchen, Vice-President and Exhibition Chair of the Ohara School of Ikebana Ottawa Chapter, giving his remarks