Iemoto's Message for 2010
A Happy New Year!
I hope that you were able to welcome the beginning of 2010 with your loved ones and friends.
In Japan, one Chinese character symbolizing the year was selected and announced at the year end. The character of 2009 was "shin" meaning "new."
In Japan, the LDP political party, which dominated postwar politics, was overwhelmingly defeated in the Lower House election and the administrative power has now shifted to a different party the DPJ. In America, President Barack Obama was elected under the slogan of "change." I feel an energetic quickening in our lives, countries, and the world.
What can Sogetsu Ikebanists do with ikebana now in such a world? I'm sure that ikebana provides ease of mind and refreshment to people and brings a spirit of peace. So it is a ray of hope, illuminating the path which we should take, particularly in ever-changing times like ours.
Please make a step toward the future with courage. I strongly believe that new encounters with plants will lend unexpected joy to you all.
Akane Teshigahara
Iemoto, Sogetsu School
January 2010
A Happy New Year!
I hope that you were able to welcome the beginning of 2010 with your loved ones and friends.
In Japan, one Chinese character symbolizing the year was selected and announced at the year end. The character of 2009 was "shin" meaning "new."
In Japan, the LDP political party, which dominated postwar politics, was overwhelmingly defeated in the Lower House election and the administrative power has now shifted to a different party the DPJ. In America, President Barack Obama was elected under the slogan of "change." I feel an energetic quickening in our lives, countries, and the world.
What can Sogetsu Ikebanists do with ikebana now in such a world? I'm sure that ikebana provides ease of mind and refreshment to people and brings a spirit of peace. So it is a ray of hope, illuminating the path which we should take, particularly in ever-changing times like ours.
Please make a step toward the future with courage. I strongly believe that new encounters with plants will lend unexpected joy to you all.
Akane Teshigahara
Iemoto, Sogetsu School
