On February 16, the Ikebana International (I.I.) Texas Houston Chapter 12 gave a lecture from the Ohara School of Ikebana. Around 70 guests attended the meeting, including Mrs. Nanako Tingleaf, vice president of I.I. Houston.
In his remarks, Consul-General Amano praised how hard the members of I.I. have worked to develop their own style, taking into account each regional characteristic along with traditional rules from the eight different countries he has been stationed in over the last 30 years. He also expressed his continuous support of the Houston Chapter who teaches ikebana as Japanese culture.
Following Consul-General’s remarks, Ms. Sushila Mathew, Associate First Degree Master of Ohara School of Ikebana, gave a lecture during which she presented a brief history of the Ohara School and Ohara’s signature bases. After this informative lecture, Mr. Teruhiko Toda, who currently serves as the Music Director of Houston Grand Opera, conducted the chorus group in singing Japanese songs to the accompaniment of a pianist, Ms. Chiharu Hakone. Mr. Toda and Ms. Hakone also played a piano duet. The room was filled with beautiful Japanese music and the audience enjoyed its exotic sounds.
After the program concluded, the guests enjoyed more Japanese culture by tasting food celebrating the lunar New Year, and appreciated the Japanese Hina-matsuri (Doll festival), as well as different styles of Ikebana arrangements created by members. |
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