Ohara Ikebana Exhibition: Quivering of Autumn Leaves
2026/10/4
On October 3 and 4, the Embassy of Japan, in collaboration with the Ohara School of Ikebana Ottawa Chapter, hosted an Ohara Ikebana exhibition titled "Quivering of Autumn Leaves" at the Embassy’s Information and Culture Centre. Prior to the event, on September 29, the Embassy welcomed Mr. Masakazu Chiji, Grand Master Ikebana Instructor and Associate Professor of the Council of Ohara Professors, to host an Ikebana lecture and demonstration at the Centre. In addition, during the preparations for this exhibition, members of the Chapter were blessed with a rare and valuable opportunity to receive direct instruction from Mr. Chiji.
The arrangements were quietly lined up, each branch and flower harboring the gentle ambiance of autumn. Visitors gazed at them intently, losing track of time as if savouring the deep thoughts and emotions imbued in every single piece.
At the opening ceremony on the first day of the exhibition, Ms. Wendy Batson, President of the Ohara School of Ikebana Ottawa Chapter, delivered her opening remarks. She expressed her deep gratitude to Mr. Chiji from the Ohara School of Ikebana Research Institute and the members of the Ohara School of Ikebana Ottawa Chapter, while also extending a heartfelt welcome to the newly arrived Ambassador, His Excellency Masashi Nakagome. Following her speech, Ambassador Nakagome touched upon the Japanese spirit of living in harmony with nature as embodied by the Ohara School. He expressed his high hopes that Ikebana would further strengthen cultural exchange between Japan and Canada before officially declaring the exhibition open.
The arrangements were quietly lined up, each branch and flower harboring the gentle ambiance of autumn. Visitors gazed at them intently, losing track of time as if savouring the deep thoughts and emotions imbued in every single piece.
At the opening ceremony on the first day of the exhibition, Ms. Wendy Batson, President of the Ohara School of Ikebana Ottawa Chapter, delivered her opening remarks. She expressed her deep gratitude to Mr. Chiji from the Ohara School of Ikebana Research Institute and the members of the Ohara School of Ikebana Ottawa Chapter, while also extending a heartfelt welcome to the newly arrived Ambassador, His Excellency Masashi Nakagome. Following her speech, Ambassador Nakagome touched upon the Japanese spirit of living in harmony with nature as embodied by the Ohara School. He expressed his high hopes that Ikebana would further strengthen cultural exchange between Japan and Canada before officially declaring the exhibition open.
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| Ambassador Masashi Nakagome delivering his remarks |
Ms. Wendy Batson, President of the Ohara School of Ikebana Ottawa Chapter, giving her remarks |
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| Mr. Chiji explaining his arrangements to Ambassador Nakagome |
Ambassador Nakagome receives a tour of the exhibition |
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| More than 880 visitors enjoyed the exhibition over the weekend |
Ambassador Nakagome receiving an explanation of Mr. Chiji's arrangement displayed in the lobby |
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| The welcoming arrangement by Mr. Chiji, symbolizing Japan-Canada friendship |
The Hinoeuma (Year of the Fire Horse) arrangement created by members of the Chapter, displayed outside the Embassy gates |
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| A selection of exhibited works, including a piece by one of the Embassy's staff members |
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| Chapter members receiving thoughtful, one-on-one guidance from Mr. Chiji during the two-day preparation period prior to the exhibition |
Chapter members receiving guidance from Mr. Chiji |
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| Chapter members receiving guidance from Mr. Chiji | Mr. Chiji passionately sharing the essence of Ikebana while unpacking the teachings of the Third Headmaster, Houn Ohara |