Amman: The Embassy of Japan in Amman, in cooperation with the Jordan branch of Ikebana International, on Wednesday organized an Ikebana (art of Japanese flower arrangement) demonstration and workshop at the embassy headquarters, as part of efforts to enhance cultural exchange and mutual understanding between Japan and Jordan.
According to Jordan News Agency, Japanese Ambassador to Jordan Asari Hideki opened the event by highlighting how Ikebana reflects core Japanese philosophy and values. He emphasized the importance of cultural dialogue in deepening the friendship and cooperation between the two countries. Ambassador Hideki described Ikebana as not just an art of flower arrangement but also as a cultural practice and philosophical expression that originated in the seventh century and gained global recognition by the seventeenth century.
President of the Jordan branch of the International Ikebana Association, Randa Qawar, delivered a lecture on the art of Ikebana. She explained that the association, founded in 1956, operates under the motto "Friendship Through Flowers." Qawar elaborated on how Ikebana embodies values of simplicity, tranquility, balance, harmony, and respect for space and form.
The event is a part of the Japanese Embassy's broader initiatives to promote Japanese culture and strengthen people-to-people ties. Through Ikebana, viewed as a universal language of beauty, the embassy aims to foster mutual understanding and build lasting cultural connections between Japan and Jordan.
The program featured presentations by four classes from three Ikebana schools affiliated with the Jordan branch - Ikenobu, Ohara, and Sogetsu. Additionally, a practical workshop was held that allowed participants to experience Ikebana firsthand, deepening their understanding of its emphasis on harmony with nature, balance, and mindfulness, which are central elements of Japanese aesthetics.
Ikebana was introduced to Jordan in the mid-1980s by the spouse of the then Japanese ambassador, along with a group of Jordanian women. The Jordan branch of Ikebana International was officially established in 1988 and has played a crucial role in promoting the art through exhibitions and cultural events.
In recognition of its efforts, the Jordan branch received an award of appreciation from the Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs in 2007.