WASHIINGTON DC #1 USA

Ambassador’s Commendation

On November 13, 2024, the Embassy of Japan presented Ikebana International Washington, D.C., Chapter 1, with the Ambassador’s Commendation. This commendation is the first of its kind, intended to honor the advancement of Japanese culture in the United States. This commendation was conferred to II Chapter 1 by Public Affairs Minister Fumito Miyake, who highlighted the chapter’s decades-long work to promote the traditional art of Ikebana throughout the Washington, D.C. area and beyond.

Minister Miyake expressed the Embassy’s gratitude to II Chapter 1 for cultivating a rich community around Ikebana. He also noted that Chapter 1 is the only Ikebana International chapter that increased its membership during the pandemic, emphasizing the group’s resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity. By quickly and creatively adapting to provide virtual programming, the Washington, D.C. chapter brought beauty, art, and community to its members during a time of isolation — truly embodying “friendship through flowers” when it was needed most.

The Chapter President Ursula Kondo received the commendation on behalf of the chapter during a ceremony at the Old Ambassador’s Residence. She conveyed her gratitude to the Japanese Embassy and also to all the chapter members for their hard work, determination, and camaraderie through the years. Minister Miyake presented the chapter’s current and past presidents with medals to honor their contributions. The ceremony was followed by a lovely reception and discussion of the chapter’s ongoing efforts to share the art of Ikebana.