Thirty-five years ago Japanese families in Hawai‘i saw the anthurium’s shiny hearts, bird of paradise’s crane neck, black berry ears of the “Mickey Mouse” plant and the mass of areca palms, fluttering in the wind. Inspired by the flowers and foliage of their new homeland, these immigrants imported Ikenobo — the soul of ikebana (the art of Japanese flower arrangement) that brought such a profound sense of peace and harmony into their western lives.
The practice of Ikenobo began over 550 years ago in Japan’s Muromachi period (1333–1568) with Ikenobo Senkei and Ikenobo Senno (headmasters at that time). Hawai‘i’s ikebana only began in 1925. After leaving Japan, Rev. Hakuai Oda and his wife, Kako Oda, began spreading the joy of ikebana from Pappa‘aloa Hongwanji Temple on Hawai‘i Island. They continued that mission at Aiea Hongwanji and Jikoen Temple Hall on O‘ahu in 1933. However, it was not until 1980 that the 45th headmaster, Sen‘ei Ikenobo, established the Honolulu Chapter under the direction of Kako Oda, its first president.
Soon, in October, Ikenobo Ikebana Society, Honolulu Chapter, shares that peace and harmony with you, as it celebrates its 35th anniversary and honors the pioneers who brought the floral tradition to Hawai‘i. Experience the force of nature that moves a branch to flow with the trade winds, creates beauty in a leaf half-eaten by insects and calms the mind with the mesmerizing allure of flowers — silent movement, creativity, harmony and color. Our special guest, Yuki Ikenobo, the 46th Ikenobo headmaster designate, will be displaying an exhibition of her art.
Fifty other Ikenobo Ikebana Society members and teachers, including Sensei Michiko Oba, daughter of Rev. and Mrs. Oda, will also create arrangements.
“We are honored to have Yuki-sama celebrate our 35th anniversary with us,” said May Hiraoka-Tomita, local chapter president. “Her awe-inspiring floral arrangements will bring peace and harmony to our islands.”
October 15–18
Ikebana Exhibition
35th Anniversary
Honolulu Museum of Art School
1111 Victoria Street, Honolulu
Admission is Free!
Ikenobo Ikebana Society, Honolulu Chapter
1521 Alexander St., #1204, Honolulu 96822
800-221-9388 | ikenobohonolulu@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/IkenoboHonolulu
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This year’s 9th Annual “Aging in Place Workshop” at the Ala Moana Hotel was the most successful that Generations Magazine and KHON2 Elderhood Project have ever hosted. Seventy-five exhibitors awaited the arrival of over 1,500 excited attendees. The workshop took place on Aug. 15, and between 8:30 am and 2:45 pm, 18 different sessions offered topics for seniors ranging from financial planning to healthy workout routines.
The workshop sessions educate seniors on ways to remain mobile, independent and alert so they can live independently in their own homes. AARP even hosted a birthday party to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Social Security with a visit from Sen. Brian Schatz. Seniors also had a special opportunity to meet three winners of the 2015 Ms. Medicare Pageant.
A key session on preparing to stay in your home drew a standing-room-only crowd. Attorney Stephen Yim suggested seniors be sure that their wills and trusts conform to current U.S. and Hawai‘i state regulations. Percy Ihara discussed how reverse mortgage programs can help seniors keep owning and living in their homes. Financial planner Michael W. Yee answered many questions on preparing for the costs of long-term home care.
The Aging in Place Workshop teaches ways to manage in our own homes as we age — to delay moving to a care facility as long as possible. That way, we can enjoy living in the place where we raised our children, surrounded by family and friends, and precious memories.
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