Installation ceremony of Ikebana International Karachi Chapter 204 held

The installation ceremony of the Ikebana International Karachi Chapter 204 was held at a hotel in Karachi on Saturday.

Japanese Consul General Hattori Masaru attended the event as the chief guest. The highlight of the ceremony was a floral art demonstration by Shaima Saeed, showcasing the traditional Japanese art of Ikebana.

Speaking on the occasion, the consul general said that Ikebana represented an important aspect of Japanese culture, and he was pleased to see so many Pakistanis appreciating and enjoying it.

“Ikebana is not only practised in Japan but also all over the world. It conveys the spirit and beauty of Japanese nature,” he said. The new president of the Ikebana International Karachi Chapter 204, Tarannum Afroze, said she hoped to expand the reach of Ikebana among children, particularly in schools and colleges.

“We want to promote this beautiful art form more widely, especially among the younger generation. We also plan to hold exhibitions in Lahore and Islamabad to raise awareness and help more people understand the essence of Ikebana,” she said, wearing the president's badge.

“Art brings us closer to nature and allows us to express creativity in ways that many other hobbies do not,” she opined. She explained that Ikebana was a traditional Japanese art of flower arrangement. "It is not just about arranging flowers but it involves study and understanding the philosophy behind each arrangement. We follow a curriculum, read books, and learn through certified schools. My school, for instance, is the Sogetsu school of Ikebana.” Salma Aziz, who served as the president for the past two years, expressed gratitude saying she was proud to have had a successful tenure.