SPRING NEWSLETTER #55 March 2025
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Dear Members,
Since daylight savings time has arrived, I hope you all are enjoying longer days in your busy lives. In January of this year, I was honoured to be passed the baton of VIA President from Kimberly Cooke, who is an instructor of Sangetsu School and has served as VIA president for the past three years. She kindly stayed an extra year, and made many contributions to support the successes of our VIA events and activities. Thank you Kimberly, for all your effort, time and hard work! Also, I would like to give many thanks to Rose Scott who had been our treasurer for many years and did such diligent work taking care of our accounting and membership. Thank you, Rose.
For those of you who might not know me, my name is Yoko Masuda of Sogetsu School. I have been practicing Sogetsu Ikebana since 2014 under the guidance of Mrs. Kiyoko Boycott Sensei who has been teaching Sogetsu School for over 60 years and is a founder of Sogetsu School and VIA here in Vancouver. I have acquired my first teaching certificate in 2018 and continue to persevere and follow Mrs. Boycott Sensei’s footsteps. With a lot of support, I have started teaching Sogetsu curriculum last year. I continue to pursue my passion for Sogetsu Ikebana and hope to share the joy with many people.
Now that my introduction is done, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce our hard-working members. Jean Weijing Zou of Ikenobo and Amanda Fu of Ohara School have kindly stepped up into Vice-President and 2nd Vice-President positions. After Rose’s resignation, we have finally found a new treasurer, Carol Zhang of Sangetsu School. I would also like to express my gratitude to Joan Fairs (Sangetsu School) for taking care of the newletters, Instagram and library, and Cecily Chang (Ikenobo) for taking care of our Facebook page. They have been putting their efforts in their roles for many years and they go above and beyond to support VIA.
Finally, I am happy to announce that we have many events lined up to share our joy and passion of ikebana starting from Sakura Days Japan Fair at the VanDusen Garden on April 12th and 13th. (See the upcoming events section for the link to the workshops.) This year, we will have four workshops with displays by each school. On May 4th, we are invited to display at Burnaby Blooms at Shadbolt Centre. This year in October, VIA will reach our 60th anniversary and we plan to celebrate it at our Spring Show at the Nikkei Centre on May 24th and 25th. I hope to see many participants and visitors at the show! We also have the Powell Street Festival displays in the first weekend of August, with demonstrations, too.
I am still learning left and right as a President and appreciate your kind support and patience. I am very much looking forward to this exciting year and to make it memorable. I appreciate your ideas and feedback so please feel free to contact me if you have!
With gratitude,
Yoko Masuda, VIA President
Nikkei Place Sakura Gala
On September 28, 2024. Jean Zou, Karen Mizushima, Romi Chan and Joan Fairs each made seven Ikebana centrepieces with similar main materials (roses and spray mums) for the fundraising gala for Nikkei Place, which raised $190,000.
Touch of Japan – School Ikebana Workshop
On November 19 2024, The Japanese Consulate in Vancouver collaborated with Vancouver Ikebana Association to bring an ikebana workshop to two Grade 7 classes at Vancouver Talmud Torah School.
Romy Chan from Sogetsu School taught a Basic Upright Moribana style arrangement using common privet, spray mum and limonium. There were 46 grade 7 students in total…a double class! Students were first given an overview of ikebana by a consulate member. Romy explained the principles and demonstrated the method of arrangement.
Students practiced making their own arrangement and enjoyed working with the materials. They were happy to take home something that they had created themselves.
Romy Chan, Sogetsu
Kintsugi Workshop
Members of VIA enjoyed an informative and hands-on social activity in the New Year; a kintsugi workshop!
“Kintsugi is the traditional Japanese art of repairing broken ceramic using an Urushi lacquer.
The technique was developed in the 15th century by Japanese craftsmen as a way to restore and preserve the beauty of broken pieces instead of discarding them. The philosophy behind it is that the piece is not only repaired, but made more beautiful because of the cracks and breaks, which are seen as part of the object’s history. It is also a metaphor for accepting the impermanence and imperfections of life.”
Kimberly Cooke of Sangetsu collaborated with Yuka Morino of the “Three Little Spruce Studio” to offer an introductory kintsugi class to ikebana members. The workshop was held at the Nikkei Centre and participants were challenged by practicing the technique of filling chipped ceramics with traditional urushi lacquer. Although the procedure turned out to be a lot harder than it looked, everyone enjoyed learning about the history and traditional techniques of kintsugi and were able to take home their repaired ceramic chopstick holder and lacquered chopsticks at the end of the afternoon. Hopefully this experience inspired some to continue honing their craft, and to perhaps become skilled enough to repair some chipped ikebana containers in the future!
Kimberly Cooke, Sangetsu
AGM January 18th, 2025
Our Annual General Meeting took place in the amenity room of the McGregor House in the McGregor Townhouse complex in South Burnaby. Fourteen members attended. Welcome to new member Elaine Antifaev of Sogetsu. Although we have over 70, members, only a small number usually turn out. Please try to attend to support our association, it is only once a year!
We enjoyed a catered lunch by Tentatsu Restaurant in North Burnaby, and also had a used/new container and book sale before the meeting began. All money raised went to the VIA, with many items generously donated by Tekla Fulton.
Seasonal ikebana decorated the meeting room. They were arranged by: Cecily Chang of Ikenobo, Amanda Yu of Ohara, Joan Fairs of Sangetsu and Yoko Masuda of Sogetsu.
Joan Fairs, Sangetsu
Workshop at the Old Hastings Mill Museum
“Explore the beauty of flower arrangement and light up life with flowers together!” The Ikebana Flower Path Experience workshop on February 9th was a complete success at the Old Hastings Mill Museum! 16 participants felt the tranquility and power of the flower path in a warm atmosphere, with each branch of flower material radiating new life in their hands, and each student’s face filled with a satisfied smile. Beth MacLaren and I together provided various branches with lilies and spray roses. Every flower has its own time to bloom just like we all shine at our own pace. Thank-you to Kimberly for posting an ad on the VIA Instagram site. Extra participants following the site registered for the workshop. Also, most of them are looking forward to next time! Ikebana is not just about arranging flowers, but it is also a spiritual practice. Ikebana; “make life better!”
Carol Zhang, Sangetsu
Next is an excerpt from The Source, a local newspaper that asked the VIA for an interview about Ikebana. Kimberly Cooke volunteered to be interviewed.
A natural joy
Believed to have originated from Buddhism’s introduction to Japan around the 6th century, Ikebana – also known as Kado (“the way of flowers”) – is the art of flower arrangement. For Kimberly Cooke, former president of the Vancouver Ikebana Association (VIA), this artistic practice is rooted in the Japanese appreciation of nature.
“[Ikebana] is a way to incorporate beautiful natural things into your own home, bringing those things inside,” says Cooke.
Marking their 60th anniversary this year, the VIA (est. 1965) strives to share ikebana with the public while preserving Japanese culture in B.C. The organization holds workshops, participates in cultural festivals and even works with the B.C. consulate of Japan to teach ikebana to children through school events.
This summer, some of their members will hold a small ikebana exhibition and workshop in New Denver, where many Japanese Canadians were interned during the Second World War. VIA hopes to reach out to the local community to ensure the history of ikebana is not forgotten.
“There’s so much Japanese culture rooted in the area, but the practice of ikebana is not well known,” she adds.
There are currently five ikebana schools in B.C. specializing in their own unique styles and practices: Ikenobo, Sogetsu, Sangetsu, Kado-Sumi and Ohara. Although each school’s rules may vary, simplicity and harmony are at the core of this art form. Sangetsu school instructor Cooke says that their philosophy is to take things that are natural and in season, always starting their arrangement with a strong branch.
“We take something that harmonizes with the container that we’re using [and] with the other flowers that we’re using,” she explains. “And we use that as a solid framework.” VIA hopes to continue preserving ikebana and its history, creating curiosity and joy in all who are curious about this Japanese art form.
“Really, [ikebana] is just about embracing nature, finding peace within, and it’s about the joy,” adds Cooke. “It’s really about the joy.”
Ikebana for the Emperor of Japan’s Birthday Celebration
On March 7, 2025, the Vancouver Ikebana Association had the honor of participating in the event hosted by the Consulate General of Japan in Vancouver, celebrating the birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan. Instructors from four Ikebana schools – Sogetsu, Ohara, Ikenobo and Sangetsu – each created a floral arrangement, which were displayed at the entrance of the banquet hall in the Marriott Vancouver Pinnacle Downtown Hotel, welcoming guests as they arrived.
The four Ikebana arrangements featured different seasonal flowers, each showing the distinct style of its respective Ikebana school while reflecting traditional Japanese aesthetics. The variation in flower choices, containers, and forms allowed guests to experience the diverse beauty of Ikebana. I was pleased to see many guests pause to admire the works, appreciating the unique charm of each piece. It was also a great honor to receive kind praise from Consul General Mr. Takahashi and his wife, who expressed sincere appreciation for the artistry and elegance shown in each arrangement.
The Ohara arrangement I created is a “Rimpa（琳派） style,” a classic form from the Ohara School, inspired by traditional Japanese Rimpa painting. This style is characterized by the use of fully bloomed flowers in a wide water basin, creating a magnificent floral scroll. By choosing this form to present, I hope to offer the guests a direct experience of the unique beauty of Ohara Ikebana.
This was my first time participating in an official event as an Ikebana instructor. Unlike regular practice, creating arrangements for public events challenges both my creativity and skill, but it also offers a valuable opportunity for growth and learning as an Ikebana instructor. I would like to thank VIA for inviting me to be part of this wonderful event. Additionally, I would like to express my gratitude to Cecily for taking me to select the flowers, and to all the VIA participants for their help in this event.
Amanda Fu, Ohara-ryu
Treasurer’s Report and Membership
- Financial: Rose Scott
Bank Balance Jan 1, 2025 $9,065.39
Receipts $340.00
Disbursements $479.81
Bank Balance January 17, 2025 $8,530.62
Plus two term deposits $2000. And $5000.plus accrued interest.
- Paid Membership as of March 13, 2025
Kado-Sumi: 5
Ikenobo: 20
Ohara: 2
Sangetsu: 11
Sogetsu: 16
Honorary members: 3
Total: 57
Please send in $20.00 membership dues by April 30th. After that date renewal fee is $30.00, (new members $20.00). Current membership is necessary to display under the VIA banner.
Please note that due to the changeover of Treasurer, a new email to send e-transfers is being set up. We will notify all members of the new address via Mailchimp, soon!
Carol Zhang, Sangetsu
Library Report
Our library books are available to all members of the VIA. There are ikebana books from the main schools as well as books with arrangements from several schools, combined. A selection of books are brought to each meeting to be taken out. An appointment may be made with Joan to borrow from our entire selection. Email: joanfairs@gmail.com or call her cell: 604-813-8054.
Joan Fairs, Sangetsu
Upcoming events
March 15th Business Meeting. Library of the McGregor House 1:30
April 12th, 13th Sakura Days Display and workshops in the Floral Hall . To register for workshops, use this link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/sakura-days-ikebana-workshops-tickets-1281727404169?aff=oddtdtcreator
May 4th Burnaby Blooms Shadbolt Centre and grounds 10-4.
May 24th and 25th Spring Show Nikkei Centre, Burnaby
June Business Meeting at the McGregor house Library 1:30 4250 Marine Drive, Burnaby
August 2nd and 3rd Powell Street Festival Display and demonstrations in the Buddhist Church hall.
Save the Date For:
The New Denver Ikebana Project (NDIP) Updated!
Dear Vancouver Ikebana Association,
Happy New Year! We hope this message finds you in good health.
We are reaching out today to extend our sincere gratitude once more for your support of the New Denver Ikebana Project (NDIP), originally scheduled to take place on July 27, 2024, in New Denver, BC.
With much regret and concern, the event was canceled a few days beforehand due to serious wildfires threatening the Village of New Denver and neighbouring communities.
The wildfires however did not defeat us! Instead, we set a new date for the “Ikebana in New Denver” event on Saturday, June 21, 2025. We were able to secure the Bosun Hall once more in the Village of New Denver and keep our promise to bring, share and teach the Japanese art of Ikebana to the Village and surrounding communities. Beautiful New Denver as the chosen location is of utmost historical importance, and home of the Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre.
In early April, a revised poster for “Ikebana in New Denver” with the new event date of Saturday, June 21, 2025, will be available. We will send you the poster, in both pdf and Instagram formats, for sharing.
We are excited that “Ikebana in New Denver” is rescheduled for this June. It would not have been possible without your invaluable contribution and support, warmest thank you again.
Hollis Ho, Sogetsu
Hollis Ho, Ikebana Sensei/ Project Lead
NEW DENVER IKEBANA PROJECT (NDIP) 2025
“Ikebana in New Denver” – June 21,2025
Grateful to receive funding for this project from
the Japanese Canadian Legacies Society (JCLS) Community Fund
Mobile: 604-880-1428 . With increased transportation expenses in 2025, we are thankful for any donation by e-transfer to: hollis_ho@telus.net
