17th Ikebana International North American Regional Conference Opening Ceremony

    On May 19, Consul General Sunaga joined the Opening Ceremony for the 17th Ikebana International North American Regional Conference which was held in Asheville, North Carolina. CG Sunaga greeted the attendees and participated in the Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony.

    In the greeting he made during the Opening Ceremony, CG Sunaga expressed thanks for the contributions Ikebana International has made over the many years through their activities and introduction of Japanese culture. He continued that as a cultural tradition of Japan, Ikebana is very popular in the United States and has greatly contributed to U.S.-Japan cultural exchange. Asheville City Councilman Chris Pelly then spoke, expressing his delight that such a wonderful meeting could be hosted in the artistic city of Asheville. Finally Ikebana International President Ms. Nobuko Usui shared her hope to continue deepening friendship and goodwill through Ikebana.

    The Ikebana International North American Conference, which was held from May 18-22, welcomed Ichiyo Ikebana Headmaster Akihiro Kasuya and Headmaster-Designate Naohiro Kasuya from Japan. During the Conference Ikebana exhibitions were on display, and various schools of Ikebana offered demonstrations and hosted workshops. There were approximately 300 members and affiliates in attendance at the conference, including some attendees from abroad. The conference also offered a chance for much interaction across the schools of Ikebana that were represented.

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

Opening Ceremony (Greeting by CG Sunaga)

Asheville City Councilman Chris Pelly

President Nobuko Usui

Ikebana Creation by Ichiyo Ikebana Headmaster Akihiro Kasuya

Ikebana Creation by Ichiyo Ikebana Headmaster-Designate Naohiro Kasuya

Inside the Exhibition Hall (1)

Inside the Exhibition Hall (2)