Ikebana International celebrated the New Year with a special luncheon in Tokyo. The luncheon was held at the Palace Hotel Tokyo.
The following Ikebana Chapters were represented and brought an arrangement to display:
Tokyo Founding Chapter
Kyoto Chapter
Kobe Chapter
Shinano Chapter
Okinawa Chapter
Sapporo Chapter
Kamakura Chapter (The one I am a member of.)
Fukuoka
Nagoya Chapter
Osaka Chapter
Shinano Chapter
Saitama Chapter
Hiroshima Chapter
Besides lunch, the event included three Ikebana demonstrations by renowned Ikebana headmasters. Pictures were not permitted during the demonstrations. You will have to take my word for it, watching them make the arrangements was mesmerizing. Evergreens, bamboo, and plum blossoms were the focus of the three arrangements. In the picture below, the three Ikebana headmasters who made arrangements are in the center. Mr. Akihiro Kasuy is wearing the gray kimono, Mrs. Senko Ikenobo is wearing the yellow kimono, and Mr. Hirooki Ohara is the youngest gentleman in the gray suit.
The arrangement pictured below was completed by Mrs. Senko Ikenobo.
The arrangement pictured below was completed by Mr. Hiroki Ohara who become an Ikebana Headmaster at the age of 6. Yes, 6.
Mr. Akihiro Kasuya completed the arrangement pictured below.
I had to take a couple pictures of the crowds and chaos after the demonstrations were complete. Everyone wanted pictures!
So much going on – gotta take a selfie!
After the Ikebana demonstrations, lunch was served. A four-course lunch with a glass of champagne.
Course 1: quinoa and seafood salad with spinach mousse and spicy cauliflower coulis.
What looks like an egg on top was actually the spinach mousse. It was delicious.
Course 2: Clam soup with thyme. It was served without the broth. The waiters then came around and filled the soup with broth.
Soup with broth.
Course 3: Sous vide beef tenderloin with truffle sauce and seasonal vegetables.
Course 4: Dessert – Cremet d’Anjou with berries and a side of raspberry sherbert.
The appetizer and dessert were my favorite! The seafood salad with spinach mousse was delicious. The raspberry sherbert and fresh berries were a delightful and satisfying treat at the end of the meal.
A group shot of the Americans from the Ikebana International Kamakura Chapter members.
Before leaving, Dina and I were able to get a picture with Mori-san. Mori-san is the president of the Japan side of the Ikebana Kamakura Chapter. She is very kind and is always willing to give us hugs and appreciation for us joining Ikebana.
As I have said several times in my previous discussions about Ikebana International, it is such a fun way to experience Japanese culture. The underlying theme to bring peace and friendship through flowers enhances the experience.