Manar Elbaz

DUBAI: Dubai Seiyu Sogetsu Ikebana School showcased its talented students’ creative works in a small exhibition, strengthening the cultural ties between Japan and the UAE. 

Taking place at Centrum Spaces on Oct. 30, the one-day exhibition presented works from students of all levels. From beginner Ikebana artists to advanced individuals, the exhibition reflected the students’ dedication to the Japanese art. 

The exhibition’s guest of honor was IMANISHI Jun, Consul General of Dubai to Japan, who has been practicing Ikebana for two decades. 

“Fortunately, interest in Japan remains high not only in Dubai but also worldwide,” he said during his speech. “It is therefore essential to meet this demand. Providing opportunities to engage with Japanese culture is essential to achieve this.”

“Just as musicians express their feelings through sound, Ikebana expresses them through flowers,” he added. 

Ikebana instructor Samia Jaber, alongside the Consul General, awarded the students in a special ceremony for participating in the exhibition. The ceremony concluded with a koto performance by Mai Taniguchi.

“Ikebana is very creative and it’s amazing how simple branches and simple flowers can make amazing creations,” a student who participated in the exhibition told Arab News Japan.

“There is simplicity, perfection and balance in the way Japanese people do things,” she added. “It is breathtaking when you see a very simple structure made of disregarded material presented so beautifully.”