Fifty flower arrangements, under Japanese professor Ishiwata’s instructions, are on display at an Ikebana exhibition in Ho Chi Minh City.

The Vietnam - Japan Friendship Association of Ho Chi Minh City joined hands with the Ikenobo Vietnam Center Study Group to launch the second Ho Chi Minh City Ikebana exhibition on Saturday.

Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arrangement.

The event, set to wrap up on Sunday at Rex Hotel Saigon in District 1, is part of a series of activities to mark the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Japan diplomatic ties (1973-2023).

The fifty Ikebana works being showcased at the exhibition represent 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

With various flowers such as roses, gerbera daisies, red carnations, lotus flowers and orchids, Professor Ishiwata from Japan’s Ikenobo College and 25 members of the Ikenobo Vietnam Center Study Group created the meaningful and eye-catching flower arrangements.

These Ikebana works with different styles highlight the beauty of nature and the characteristics of modern life.

With the traditional Japanese art of floral arrangement, flowers not only boast their beauty, but they also reflect the growth of roots, leaves and branches, said Prof. Ishiwata.

Nguyen Thanh Tu, head of the Ikenobo Vietnam Center Study Group and one of the Ikebana practitioners, said that flower arranging helped her learn how to harmonize and connect different flowers.

The art helps connect Vietnamese and Japanese Ikebana lovers, she added.

Ono Masuo, Japanese Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, expected the city’s residents to grasp deeper knowledge about the Japanese culture via traditional Ikebana works.

Prof. Ishiwata, who graduated in lacquer painting from the Tokyo University of Arts, started taking up Ikebana in 1987.

Apart from giving lessons on the art, he often showcases his Ikebana works at exhibitions as a member of the Japan Ikebana Art Association.

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