On October 1, Japan Information and Culture Center (JICC) Director Matsuda Shigehiro attended Ikebana International Manila Chapter 108’s 16th Asian Regional Conference at Conrad Manila.

The event was also attended by the Ambassador of the Philippines to Japan Mylene Garcia-Albano, Tourism Promotions Board Philippines chief operating officer Maria Margarita Nograles, Iemoto of the Ohara School Headmaster Ohara Hiroki, Ikebana International President Obikane Chisato, and Ikebana Manila Chapter President Leny Fabul.

The Asian Regional Conference gathers Ikebana practitioners and enthusiasts for a series of workshops, meetings, and demonstrations to celebrate and share the Japanese art of Ikebana with a wider audience across Asia.

In his remarks, Director Matsuda expressed that the theme “sama sama” could not be more fitting as Japan and the Philippines celebrate the 70th anniversary of friendship. He then congratulated Ikebana International Manila Chapter 108 for successfully organizing an event that reflects the vibrance of the two countries’ relations through the traditional artistry of Ikebana. Embassy of Japan in the Philippines