Expanding Ikebana in Samoa

By Adel Fruean 13 September 2018, 12:00AM

The Informal Gardeners Group (I.G.G.) and Sensei Yorie Inoue hosted its final Ikebana Showcase at Taumeasina Island Resort last week.

Ikebana is the art of Japanese flower arrangement. It can be traditional and freestyle.

The display last week was an opportunity for three local trainees, Louise Main, Elizabeth Teuila Filemu-Esera and Nynette Sass to work with Sensei Yorie.

Ms. Yorie is an instructor of the Japanese art form of Ikebana flower arrangement.

With her husband, Samoa’s Honorary Consul in Japan and the President of the Joban Kosan Company Ltd, Naomi Inoue, they donated 38 Ikebana vases and 48 kensan to I.G.G. 

The I.G.G. is the brainchild of the late Seumanutafa Dr. Malcolm Hazelman.  

“I.G.G. is a group of like-minded people in Samoa interested in agriculture, gardening and related aspects coming together to learn from others with visits and networking as well as using social media to share,” Ms. Sass said. 

“Ikebana is a perfect example of cultural exchange that fits right into this thinking. I find this art form of flower arrangement unique due to how it mimics nature, meaning it showcases what we find in nature.

“We are very grateful on behalf of this partnership to Sensei Yorie and her husband for their generosity for taking time to share their knowledge and assist our country and its people. Part of the reason why we have learned these new skill is to share with our people. 

“All of Sensei Yorie’s travels and accommodation are fully self-funded while we look after the logistics, coordination and provision of the ground support including transportation and translation services which has been provided generously by a wonderful group of Japanese ladies in Samoa.”

She added that they are grateful to Japanese friends led by Rieko Tielu, assisted by Shiori Va’a, Masami who is also a lecturer at National University of Samoa who stepped in from time to time to help. I.G.G. has about 400 online members.

By Adel Fruean 13 September 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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