AMMAN — The Japanese art of ikebana on Tuesday took centre stage as the Embassy of Japan in Jordan, in collaboration with the Ikebana International Jordan Chapter, hosted a demonstration and workshop aimed at strengthening cultural exchange between the two countries.

 

Held at the embassy premises, the event brought together diplomats, artists and flower-arranging enthusiasts for a programme blending history, philosophy and practice. It featured a lecture by Randa Kawar, president of the Ikebana International Jordan Chapter, live demonstrations representing three major schools, Ikenobo, Ohara and Sogetsu (including Sogetsu Seiko), and a hands-on workshop allowing participants to experience ikebana firsthand.

 

In his opening remarks, Japanese Ambassador to Jordan Asari Hideki described ikebana as more than decorative art, calling it a practice rooted in Japanese philosophy, discipline and mindfulness.

 

“Ikebana is not just a flower arrangement. It embodies Japanese traditions and values. It is like a dialogue between yourself and the flower,” he said, noting that even samurai once practised it for tranquillity and peace of mind.

 

Kawar highlighted the organisation’s motto, “Friendship Through Flowers,” saying ikebana offers a universal language of beauty that promotes coexistence and mutual understanding. She also traced the art’s evolution from early temple offerings to a refined discipline that emphasises harmony with nature, balance and intentional simplicity.

 

Unlike Western floral arrangements, which often focus on abundance, ikebana values line, form, space and restraint. Arrangements are commonly structured around three main stems symbolising the harmony between heaven, humanity and earth.

 

Introduced to Japan in the 7th century, ikebana developed into a classical art form and a meditative practice. Today, it is taught through various schools, most notably Ikenobo, Ohara and Sogetsu, each offering a distinct approach ranging from traditional to modern and expressive styles.

 

Ikebana was introduced to Jordan in the 1980s by the wife of the then Japanese ambassador, alongside Jordanian women interested in Japanese culture. The Ikebana International Jordan Chapter was formally recognised by the headquarters in 1988. Since then, it has organised numerous exhibitions and cultural events that broadened local appreciation of Japanese traditional arts.

 

In recognition of its efforts, the chapter received the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation in 2007. More recently, in 2025, Hind Sherif Nasser Bin Jamil, one of the figures involved in establishing the chapter, was awarded the Decoration of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays, for her contributions to promoting Japanese culture through ikebana.

 

The embassy said the event formed part of its ongoing efforts to promote Japanese culture and deepen cultural exchange between Japan and Jordan, describing ikebana as a shared language of beauty capable of fostering lasting connections.