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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