The Embassy of Japan in Seoul hosted "Autumn Ikebana: Flowers of Friendship for a Shared Future" at the ambassador's residence in Seongbuk District, northern Seoul on Friday, celebrating cultural exchange through ikebana, or the traditional Japanese art of flower arrangement. The program featured a live demonstration and workshop led by Masakazu Chiji, assistant professor of the Council of Ohara Professors, one of the three major ikebana schools, who guided participants in creating their own autumn-themed floral pieces.
Ambassador Koichi Mizushima told the Korea JoongAng Daily that ikebana "is an art to connect with nature and with people," noting that unlike Western floral styles, it "attaches importance to space that lets everyone's imagination go for that space."
He said the event aimed to foster deeper mutual understanding between Japan and Korea, with this year marking the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Korea and Japan.
"To know the culture of the other side is very important," he said. "I hope this will serve that purpose and encourage more people to get interested in Japanese traditional arts and into other cultural activities."
Read more at Korea JoongAng Daily
