Latest news with #Ikebana
New Indian Express
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Hyderabad embraces Ikebana art
On the occasion of International Ikebana Day, observed annually on June 6, the Ikebana International Hyderabad Chapter #250 brought together enthusiasts and practitioners to celebrate this serene Japanese floral art through a thoughtfully curated exhibition titled 'Hana Sensu'. The word Sensu, which means 'fan' in Japanese, formed the central theme of this year's showcase and each arrangement uniquely blends flowers with traditional or fan-like elements. Ikebana, which literally means 'a way of arranging flowers', is far more than just arranging blooms in a vase. Rooted deeply in minimalism and mindfulness, it's a meditative practice that encourages harmony with nature. The calmness of this art form was felt throughout the exhibition space as delicate compositions captured the beauty of both space and silence. Krishnaveni, one of the participants, explained her inspiration behind the arrangement: 'We're using fans either Japanese or otherwise, as part of the Ikebana arrangement. The idea is to keep it minimal, allowing negative spaces to speak, and incorporating elements from nature like dry wood or bamboo. Ikebana is a very Zen-inspired art form; it's calming rather than attention-grabbing, and it reflects the quiet power of nature.' Her work reflected the core principles of Ikebana that is simplicity and natural flow.
Japan Forward
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Japan Forward
Daniel Patterson, In Love with Flowers
I love to write about people I meet who like to wear kimono. Recently, I met Daniel Patterson and was impressed by his friendly disposition and how great he looked in kimono. And his beautiful Instagram, full of his ikebana works. A Canadian guy wearing a soft pink kimono, with blond hair and blue eyes, is going to stand out. We arranged to go to the Yamato flea market together, and he cut a fine figure there, with many people stopping him to say how cool he looked. Daniel Patterson (©Sheila Cliffe) At the flea market with Daniel Patterson (©Sheila Cliffe) Daniel's first encounter with anything Japanese was when he studied Ryukyu-style karate in junior high school. After completing several degrees at university, he secured a place on the Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme, better known as the JET program, and finally came to Japan in 2006. This landed him in Takamatsu, where he became head of the JET program in Kagawa, and after that, in Shikoku. After 5 years, he moved to Yokohama and started teaching at Tokyo International School in Nakameguro. He worked there for eight years and headed the kindergarten program for three. Since 2020, he has been teaching at Yokohama International School. Ikebana by Daniel Patterson. Ikebana by Daniel Patterson. Sometimes, Daniel would be drawn to ikebana flower arrangements that he would see in random places around Japan. Once, there was a small exhibition of ikebana outside his local department store. He stopped to look at it and mentioned to his co-worker that he thought it looked really cool. He told her that he would love to do something like that, but he had no artistic talent whatsoever. She replied that she thought it was lovely too, and they should try to take a trial lesson somewhere. Daniel went home and googled "ikebana in English, Yokohama." That way, he found a teacher offering a trial lesson. It was at that first lesson that something special happened for Daniel. While holding the branches in his hand, he felt an instant change inside him. He suddenly felt that some kind of wire inside him that had been broken, was now reconnected. It was, he said, an amazing experience. Ikebana by Daniel Patterson. Ikebana by Daniel Patterson. He fell instantly in love with ikebana. That happened in 2016, and he started going to two or even three classes a week, and was practicing at home as well. He couldn't get enough of ikebana. Daniel found it easy to progress at the start of learning ikebana because there were rules and measurements for making each form. However, after a while, he had to try freestyle arranging. He found this much more difficult because he was afraid of breaking rules. His concern about the principles meant he had difficulty with his free expression. As he continued, however, he found his unique sense of style. Describing his thinking as unconventional, he is striving not to be held back, and to constantly work on freeing himself to the unlimited possibilities for creative expression. He has passed his 2nd grade teaching level of the Sogetsu School. Now, he is aiming to take the 1st level. Ikebana by Daniel Patterson. Explaining his passion, Daniel told me, "Sogetsu Ikebana is special because it is an amazing abstract modern art which holds the traditions of the past while having movement and change in time. It combines the essences of nature, spirituality, and humanity to express what happens around us and the emotions of the artist." He has participated in the annual Sogetsu show at Nihonbashi Takashimaya and at a local show in Yokohama, and also held a show jointly with a ceramicist. In addition, he has made flower arrangements for many businesses. He teaches privately and does seminars and events for special days such as Christmas or Valentine's Day. Daniel is about to embark on the next chapter of his ikebana journey under the tutelage of Saihou Ozono, whose work is very unbridled and creative. Under Sensei Ozono's artistic eye, Daniel hopes to embrace the abstract more and lose his insecurities about the rules. Also, he is looking forward to making larger pieces. He is very excited as he has been watching Saihou Ozono for a few years and believes that they have a compatible way of thinking and approach to creativity. It was at a Sogetsu Shinenkai, the first New Year's party since the pandemic, that Daniel first wore kimono. Just as he was thinking about wanting to wear one, @menskimonolife popped up on his social media. He sent a message and ordered a kimono to be made up for the New Year's party. (©Sheila Cliffe) Daniel Patterson in pink kimono (©Sheila Cliffe) Feeling a bit intimidated by it the first time, he had a friend help him dress. However, he really enjoyed the experience and thought that the kimono suited him well. Many compliments going to and from the party helped him feel more comfortable. Then, he wore men's kimono again for a client's party, and she encouraged him to make kimono a part of his life. After practicing for several hours, he eventually felt like he could do it well. Now he feels comfortable wearing kimono, even though he really stands out, and is enjoying colorful, kimono fashion. His natural love for colors is expressed through his kimono as well as through his flower art. Through kimono, he says, he has made many new and interesting connections with people. Daniel has been featured on NHK Workpedia and in several other media outlets. He is looking forward to seeing his kimono style develop and discovering how it interacts with his growing ikebana skills. In the future, he would like to participate in more shows and events. He'd also like to teach and share the art of ikebana around the world. It is a joy to see Daniel spreading such beauty into his world through his stunning floral creations! See Daniel's work on Instagram . Daniel Patterson (©Sheila Cliffe) Author: Sheila Cliffe Read other columns on kimono by the author .
Express Tribune
21-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Blanchett wants award shows to ditch cameras
In a recent episode of the Las Culturistas podcast, veteran actor Cate Blanchett shared her perspective on the evolving nature of award shows and the impact of modern technology on these events. Reflecting on the past, Blanchett expressed a longing for the days when gatherings were intimate and free from the pervasive presence of recording devices. She said, "There's so few spaces that you can go now, where you are private. That's what I loved about the late '80s, going to all of the dance parties in Sydney for Mardi Gras. People were just there. They were so present, you know, they were just together, collectively, having a great time. It was non-aggressive. No one was being recorded. No one cared what anyone did." The conversation delved into the current state of award shows, touching upon the challenges celebrities face with constant public scrutiny. Blanchett addressed the phenomenon of "lip readers," individuals who analyse and publicise private conversations from red carpet events. Expressing her disapproval, she suggested that such individuals should "learn Ikebana or something, like a skill that's actually beautiful," emphasising her desire for a return to privacy. Further stressing her views on the increasingly public nature of award shows, Blanchett proposed a bold idea. "Go back to the day when it wasn't televised. Bring that back and just have a great party where people can just let go." While acknowledging the appeal of fashion and public interest, she advocated for these celebrations to occur "behind closed doors," allowing attendees to enjoy the event without external pressures. Televised troubles The actor's sentiments resonate in light of recent incidents at televised award ceremonies. Notably, the 2022 Oscars were overshadowed by an altercation between Will Smith and Chris Rock. During the live broadcast, Smith walked onstage and slapped Rock in response to a joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. This unexpected incident sparked widespread controversy and discussions about the pressures and unpredictability of live televised events. Additionally, technical glitches have marred recent broadcasts. For instance, Hulu's live stream of the Oscars experienced significant issues, cutting out before major awards like Best Actress and Best Picture were announced. This disruption left many viewers frustrated and highlighted the challenges of relying on technology for live events. Wardrobe malfunctions have also become viral moments, often overshadowing the achievements being celebrated. Amanda Seyfried, for example, experienced a dress mishap at the 2023 Critics Choice Awards, leading to unintended exposure. Such incidents, amplified by social media, can detract from the event's purpose and place undue stress on attendees. Blanchett's call for more private celebrations raises questions about the balance between public interest and personal privacy. While televised award shows offer fans a glimpse into the glamour of Hollywood, they also subject celebrities to intense scrutiny. The prevalence of social media means that unscripted moments, whether positive or negative, can quickly become global talking points. Historically, award shows were more exclusive affairs, with limited media coverage. This allowed industry professionals to celebrate without the fear of public judgment or misinterpretation. Reverting to such a format could alleviate some of the pressures associated with modern ceremonies. However, the public's appetite for real-time content poses a challenge to this notion. Televised events generate significant revenue through advertising and partnerships, making them lucrative for organisers. According to Statista, in the United States alone, TV advertising spending was projected to reach approximately $60.6 billion in 2024. In addition to that, as reported by a marketing executive at Synapse, the 2025 Academy Awards generated approximately $121.5 million in television advertising revenue. Major sporting events, in particular, attract significant advertising investments. Moreover, fans worldwide cherish the opportunity to witness these celebrations, fostering a sense of connection to their favourite artists.
Associated Press
04-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) Reports Successful Tokyo City Campaign in 2024: Promotions to Continue in 2025
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government celebrated the success of its 'Tokyo City Promotion 2024 in New York City' event, which showcased Tokyo's tradition and modernity. The two-day event attracted industry professionals and the public, with plans to continue promotions in 2025. New York, NY, United States, March 4, 2025 -- The Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) and the Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau (TCVB) celebrated the success of their 'Tokyo City Promotion 2024 in New York City' event, held on October 25-26, 2024. This two-day showcase brought a slice of Tokyo's rich cultural heritage and cutting-edge modernity to the heart of New York City, captivating both industry insiders and the general public. Photo courtesy of Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) The event kicked off with a business-focused day at Chelsea Piers Pier 60, tailored for professionals in the travel and media industries. The event featured 20 exhibitors from Japan, including airlines, hotels, and iconic tourist destinations, highlighting Tokyo's status as a premier global travel destination. The second day transformed Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central Station into a vibrant cultural hub, offering New Yorkers an immersive experience of Tokyo's unique charm through performances, workshops, and interactive exhibits. The event included captivating performances, such as a collaborative show blending modern Ikebana flower arrangements with Edo Kabuki theater, presented by Flower Artist KAORUKO and Kabuki Actor Sennosuke Kataoka. Samurai sword-fighting demonstrations by TATE Hatoryu NY added an element of historical drama, while a Japanese Songs Karaoke Challenge invited attendees to belt out anime classics and J-pop hits. Visitors also enjoyed hands-on activities like Yukata dressing, Edomoji fan calligraphy, and a Ukiyo-e art exhibit highlighting traditional Japanese aesthetics. 'Tokyo is a city where you can experience centuries of history and glimpse the future all day. Our campaign aims to capture this essence and share it with New Yorkers in engaging ways,' a TMG representative mentions. The event's overarching theme was inspired by Tokyo's 'Tokyo Tokyo Old meets New' campaign, which celebrates the city's harmonious blend of ancient traditions and futuristic innovation. This duality was evident in the juxtaposition of traditional cultural elements, such as Kabuki theater and historic landmarks like Meiji Shrine and Sensō-ji Temple, with contemporary attractions like Shibuya Sky's panoramic views and the futuristic Tokyo Skytree. The campaign's logo (two 'Tokyos') itself reflects this duality: one 'Tokyo' is written in a brushstroke font symbolizing its Edo-period heritage, while the other 'Tokyo' appears in a sleek Gothic typeface representing its modern vibrancy. This concept was brought to life during the event, offering attendees a glimpse into how Tokyo seamlessly integrates its storied past with its forward-looking present. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government l representative explains the vision behind the campaign, 'We wanted to show that Tokyo is more than just a destination—it's an experience where visitors can step into history while also witnessing what it means to be a city of the future.' The event also marked an important milestone for Tokyo's global tourism strategy. Since 2002, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has launched similar campaigns in 13 countries to strengthen its international brand identity. Last year's promotion was remarkable as the city earned the title 'World's Most Attractive Large City' in Condé Nast Traveler U.S. edition's readers' poll for the first time in three years. This further highlights its enduring appeal among travelers worldwide. With record-breaking Japan inbound visitors at approximately 36.87 million last year, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government looks forward to continuing its 2025 promotion, building on the influx of tourists and promoting Tokyo's wonders, specifically for New Yorkers. The representative mentions, 'As we continue, we're confident that the 2025 campaign will also increase tourism to Tokyo and build a deeper cultural understanding between our two great cities. We invite New Yorkers to discover Tokyo's many faces and experience why it continues to captivate visitors worldwide.' About Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) The Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) collaborates with the Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau (TCVB) to promote tourism in Japan's capital city. Through initiatives like 'Tokyo City Promotion 2024 in New York City,' TMG highlights Tokyo's unique cultural heritage, modern attractions, and global appeal. 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Khaleej Times
27-02-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Embassy of Japan hosts reception to celebrate the 65th birthday of Emperor of Japan
On February 26, 2025, Ken Okaniwa, Ambassador of Japan to the UAE, hosted a National Day reception in Abu Dhabi to celebrate the 65th birthday of the Emperor of Japan. The occasion was graced by Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of State, and was also joined by senior officials of the UAE Government, business leaders from both nations, and diplomat colleagues. In his remarks, Ambassador Okaniwa recalled the visit by their Majesties in 1995. He wished the further strengthening of friendship between the imperial family and the ruling families of the UAE. He also noted cooperation between Japan and the UAE was deepening across various fields such as international affairs, defence, economy, environment, culture, education, and science and technology. The upcoming Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025 is another opportunity to strengthen the bilateral relations with many visitors expected to visit Japan for this event. The evening was enriched by a performance by the Shoten Dubai Taiko Drummers, display at works by calligrapher Master Juichi Yoshikawa, floral arrangements by Ikebana Master Ms Harue Oki and her team. Furthermore, the guests had the opportunity to try Japanese food & beverage products, offered by Japanese municipalities and companies. The reception served as a wonderful occasion to reaffirm the deep friendship between Japan and the UAE.
