With the aim of promoting Japanese culture and tradition and developing a close relationship with Mother Nature, the Japanese Consulate in Jeddah organized a cultural day at their consul general's residence Tuesday last week. “Our aim is to enlighten our special guests, comprising eminent Saudis and the wives of consuls general, about the culture and traditions of Japan, which is famous for its flower arrangements, especially the traditional art of Ikebana. We also want to spend quality time with all our guests,” said Yumiko Ishigure, wife of the Japanese consul general. Ikebana, a traditional art form of Japan, has been practiced for more than 600 years. A presentation on flower arrangements was given by Arai Rika, a special guest and teacher at Sogetsu School in Japan, who was invited from Japan to demonstrate the art of Ikebana. “Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arrangement. It is more than just arranging flowers in a container. It is a disciplined art form in which the arrangement is a living thing, where nature and humanity are brought together. It is based on the philosophy of developing a close relationship with nature,” said Rika. “Nature is ever-changing. Plants grow and put forth leaves, flowers bloom, and berries are born regularly and repeatedly throughout the seasons. Nature has its own rhythm and order. The awareness of this is the first step in involving oneself in Ikebana,” she explained. Rika, who has been involved with Ikebana for over 20 years, says her mission is to introduce this traditional art form to the world. She wants to especially teach those people “who want to learn the art but don't know how to do it,” she said. “I am travelling worldwide; my next stop is Sudan from where I am travelling to Paris. I want to decorate living places and hotels,” Rika said After attending the expert demonstration and a workshop on the art of Ikebana, the guests were treated to a variety of Japanese cuisine including traditional cupcakes and Sushi.
