Sogetsu Ikebana Exhibition: “Words of Autumn: What the Flowers Say”

On October 14th and 15th, this year's Sogetsu Ikebana Exhibition entitled "Words of Autumn: What the Flowers Say" organized by the Sogetsu School of Ikebana Ottawa Branch was held at the Embassy of Japan. Each ikebana artist's individuality was brought to life through free expression which brightened up the exhibition space with works that reflected various autumn colours.
 
Approximately 500 people visited the exhibition over two days and admired the works that provided peace and comfort. At the hands-on corner that introduced the basics of ikebana, participants had an opportunity to become more familiar with ikebana while touching the tools essential to making arrangements.
 
At the opening ceremony, which was held on the first day of the event, we welcomed distinguished guest the Honourable Mona Fortier, member of the Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group (former President of the Treasury Board). Ms. Sigler, Director of the Sogetsu School of Ikebana Ottawa Branch, gave an opening speech, touching upon the arrangement honouring Ms. Mieko Watanabe, the founder of the Sogetsu School of Ikebana Ottawa and Montreal Branches and praised her wonderful achievements. She passed away in September 2022. Ambassador Yamanouchi gave his remarks and expressed admiration for the great accomplishment of the late Ms. Watanabe, who made a tremendous contribution to the spread of Japanese culture through ikebana. He further noted that ikebana serves as a bridge between Japan and Canada.


 

Ambassador Yamanouchi delivering his remarks	Ms. Sigler, Director of the Sogetsu School of Ikebana Ottawa Branch, giving her remarks	The Honourable Mona Fortier, member of the Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group saying a few words