10th World Convention, 2012

I am pleased to announce that our plans are moving forward smoothly for the Ikebana International 10th World Convention 2012, which will be held May 1 to 4.
By now, 800 members and friends have registered for the convention.
The deadline for making reservations for the World Convention is February 10, 2012. Those who plan to attend the convention but have not yet registered should contact Ikebana International Headquarters as soon as possible. Your registration form must be received at Ikebana International Headquarters by February 10 at the latest.

Nobuko Usui, Chairperson
Ikebana International 10th World Convention 2012

Donation: Report of the donation for the victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake

• Tokyo Founding
• Birmingham
• Chicago
• Johor Bahru
• Osaka

The Many Faces of a Single Flower, Tokyo Founding, Japan TFC’s June monthly meeting was the Yearend Luncheon, which was held on Wednesday, June 22, 2011, at the Tokyo Hilton. Attendees totaled 369, including distinguished guests, guests of Ikenobo and TFC members, and others. H.I.H. Princess Takamado, Ikebana International Honorary President, and H. I. H. Princess Noriko, honored us with their presence at our last meeting of fiscal year 2010-2011. The main program was an ikebana demonstration by Yuki Ikenobo, Iemoto Designate of Ikenobo. Her theme was “The Many Faces of a Single Flower.” In this demonstration, mawari ike, which is one of the old styles of Ikenobo, was presented by Ikenobo members. An ikebana competition was held. One of the best was chosen and placed in the tokonoma. (L to R) Yuki Ikenobo, Iemoto Designate of Ikenobo, H.I.H. Princess Takamado, H.I.H. Princess Noriko

Paper Folding: Making Two Containers, Birmingham #83, England On June 20, 2011, Margaret Dams and Joan Wilkinson held a workshop focused on folding paper to make two containers. For the morning session attendees brought scissors, a ruler and pencil plus a small amount of light materials such as small flowers, grasses, small hosta leaves, a small piece of driftwood. The afternoon session involved attendees bringing a moribana container with a kenzan and a nageire container plus flowers. Other materials were supplied. A very fun day.

Ryusei-Ha Demonstration, Chicago #27, USA On May 15, 2011, at the Oak Park Hotel, Keiko Granade from Washington gave a Ryusei-Ha demonstration. She is one of the few Ryusei-Ha senseis in the United States and traveled to Chicago to work with our chapter, teaching us about the unique design approaches and philosophy of her school. Chapter members helped her gather material from participants’ gardens and from the Morton Arboretum. Her demonstration was sensitive and creative, and we all came away with a greater appreciation of her skills and her knowledge of the language of flowers. Participants in the workshop (L to R): Janet Knowlton, Hideko Toyokawa-Ngo, Keiko Granade, E-Ling Lou, Shelley Galloway, Hannah Kong Sensei Keiko Granade demonstrates Ryusei-Ha

Golden Autumn, Johor Bahru #235, Malaysia Recruiting new members has always been an exciting effort for Johor Bahru Chapter. Since the September 13, 2011, meeting was our first program of the fiscal year and that it coincided with the Autumn Festival, every effort was made to impress, especially now, when the world is going through a difficult time. Kelvin Tan of Singapore did us proud by demonstrating five arrangements, using local flowers, foliage, and self-made structures. His choice of flowers and colors to depict autumn evoked a sense of being in a temperate climate. His arrangements reflected various aspects of ikebana. A video display of his past demonstrations was also featured. A lively dialogue ensued to give new members a better understanding of what ikebana is, and, despite being small in numbers, we are fully active in carrying out and presenting programs. An arrangement by Kelvin Tan (L to R) Katherine Koh, Kamisa Hassan, Doris Looi, Kelvin Tan, Gusti Retno Astrini, Lira Tan, Lynda Loh, Serena Tan, and Lila Hendra

20th Anniversary Demonstration, Osaka #234, Japan On September 16, 2011, Osaka Chapter’s first meeting of the fiscal year was initiated by Chapter President Midori Takabayashi’s greeting and introduction of guests and new board members. This year is Osaka Chapter’s 20th anniversary, and I.I. International President Wienczyslawa Sato gave a congratulatory address. After that I.I. 10th World Convention 2012 Chairperson Nobuko Usui also spoke.Mika Tsujii of Saga Goryu then gave a demonstration to the accompaniment of a violin and piano duet. Her lovely arrangement complemented and harmonized with the music. Osaka chapter president, former presidents and honorable members with International President Wienczyslawa Sato and Mika Tsuji