"Believing in the Power of Flowers"

Artistic wanted to see the Sogetsu Exhibition -- the 93rd annual exhibition, no less -- at the Takashimaya department store in Nihombashi last Friday. I tagged along because (a) I never turn down a chance to scoot up to Tokyo and (b) I couldn't help but wonder how the Sogetsu school of Ikebana flower arranging had evolved since the 90th annual exhibition which my sister and I somewhat accidentally visited on her first trip to Japan.

Artistic is a student of Sogetsu, she takes classes here on base and is determined to achieve a new level before her family departs Japan. From what I can surmise, Japanese flower arranging is something like martial arts but she's aiming for a new level rather than a colorful belt.

While she remembered to charge her camera, my Nikon battery went into a coma about 30 meters into the first of about ten exhibition rooms. Still, I think these pictures will give you the gist of what we saw.

A slightly obscene bamboo arrangement

Vertical Moss with Jutting Branch (The "Gonzo" Arrangement)

All kidding aside, it was an inspiring exhibition. So inspiring, in fact, that I invested in a "Beginner's Guide to Ikebana" before leaving the store. And the next day, while strolling across the base just after the grounds crew trimmed the hedges, I picked up a cute little branch sporting three red berries and stuck it in a vase that's now perched cheerfully on my kitchen window sill.

Not that the Ancient Mariner has noticed.

Takashimaya! Shinjuku! Kudasai!

We spent Suzi's last three nights in Japan at the New Sanno Hotel in Tokyo.  "How did you manage to reserve two rooms for three consecutive nights?" I asked the Ancient Mariner in amazement.  "I'm not quite sure," he confessed, "but I suspect all those room-hogging Department of Defense teachers are too busy packing for their taxpayer-funded summer hiatus to visit Tokyo this week."  After almost twenty years, I think my sarcasm might be rubbing off on him.

Mike and Matt plotted a trip to the electronic district Tuesday morning and called it "quality bonding time before Matt leaves for college."  I had other plans for Suzi and Kate. 

Nice use of rotting branch

"My friend Hiroko has invited us to meet her in Shinjuku to see an Ikebana exhibit with some other friends."

The Sykes sisters have spent a combined total of seven minutes arranging flowers in our nearly 113 (!) years on earth but we are always open to new experiences, especially those involving lunch.  Kate, of course, would not dream of missing the rare opportunity to see her godmother and mother navigate a cultural event.  So off we went.  In a taxicab, no less, which made the morning that much more special.  "Takashimaya!  Shinjuku!  Kudasai!" she bade the driver.  "Donder!  Blitzen!  Rudolph!" they giggled to themselves.

Scary vine strangling a banana leaf

The last time I counted -- about five minutes ago -- there were ten Ikebana schools, each professing a different approach or philosophy.  Sogetsu Ikebana, which Hiroko is studying, is based on the belief that anyone can practice the way of flowers anywhere, and with almost anything.   

A campfire perhaps 

The Sogetsu School preaches accessibility.  They believe Ikebana ought to be inclusive and global and not an exclusive aspect of Japanese culture enjoyed by a limited number of people.

(Frankly, I was quite enamored by the use of twigs and branches.  I see it might be possible to spend a lot less money on clear plastic yard bags and a lot less time bagging my neighbor's intrusive vines when I get back to Norfolk.)

Individual, imaginative, and extremely patient

Sogetsu recognizes that every person is unique.  Students are encouraged to be individual and imaginative.

 

Suzi and I invested in several portable plastic vases that can double as wine or beer coolers.  You'll just have to imagine this until I catch up with my chronology.

 

The exhibit was held at the Takashimaya Department Store which is about three thousand times bigger than the NYC version on Fifth Avenue.  Like many large Japanese department stores, Takashimaya rents floor space to other retailers and restaurants.  Some of us were excited to see an entire floor of Yuzawaya fabrics, yarns, and other craft supplies.  The others were relieved to see the line at the cash register was too long to allow the fanatics to shop without rudely postponing lunch.

 

Hiroko presented beautiful fans in lovely fan cases to Suzi and Kate during lunch.  The thoughtfulness of my Japanese friends continues to astound and humble me.

 

Hisayo snapped pictures of us near the Yuzawaya entrance.  I look terrible in one and Kate looks pretty awful in the other.  I would not post either one but Suzi is rarely photographed and Hisayo captured her essence wonderfully.  Which to post?  What's a mother to do?

In the interest of international diplomacy, Peevish blinks at the same time as Yoko and Hiroko.

Back:  Peevish, Suzi, Valerie
Front:  Yoko, Kate, Hiroko

  Next:  Edo Museum at Last!