October 2025 President’s Message

To all members of Ikebana International and all lovers of ikebana,

At the Ikebana International Annual Meeting held on September 9, 2025, 18 directors were elected to the International Board of Directors. All the Directors on the International Board are volunteers.

As of June 30 this year, I.I. has 6,502 members, including the members of 133 chapters and individual members. This is an increase of 145 members compared to last year. I believe this growth is a result of the tremendous efforts made by each chapter to increase membership.

Ikebana International was founded in 1956 by Mrs. Ellen Gordon Allen, an American woman. Next year, in 2026, we will celebrate the 70th anniversary of I.I.’s founding. Mrs. Allen’s motto, “Friendship through Flowers,” continues to be vibrantly upheld by members around the world.

If you are not yet a member, we encourage you to join the chapter nearest you and take part in its events.

The Ikebana International 13th World Convention was successfully held in Kyoto from April 24 to 28, 2025, under the gracious attendance of I.I.’s Honorary President, HIH Princess Takamado. The event featured demonstrations by the headmasters of seven ikebana schools and an exhibition of ikebana arrangements by I.I. members.

The I.I. 70th Anniversary Commemorative Luncheon will be held on January 29, 2026, at the Hotel New Otani Tokyo, with a demonstration by Headmaster Naohiro Kasuya of the Ichiyo School of Ikebana. As decided in the 13th World Convention Business Meeting, the event will be streamed on YouTube through the I.I. website for one month, so please look for it.

There are many opportunities to experience the wonderful world of ikebana. Please be sure to visit the Future Events and Activities pages in the I.I. website.

In recent years, global warming has caused many natural disasters around the world. As lovers of flowers, we are inherently people who love nature. I believe we must
strengthen our awareness and commitment to protecting nature.

This year as well, we aim to expand our circle of friendship through various activities with all our ikebana-loving members.

Chisato Obikane
International President