Activity Report

Date: Monday, November 22, 2021Venue: Seishoji Temple in Minato City Because of the pandemic, we were forced t…

The symposium this time was held in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of MUA foundation.  It was held in the form of venue participation as well as on-line under the COVID-19 pandemic.  We had the pleasure of having three panelists and a commentator as listed below.

Bonsai established itself as a traditional Japanese culture during the modern to contemporary period. Today it is internationally known as “BONSAI” and boasts high popularity.  Bonsai-philes from around the world visit Omiya-ku, Saitama City as the mecca of the plant art.  Seikouen, which has a long history since the end of the Edo period, has played a central role in the community.  We had the pleasure of having Mr. Kawakami of Seikouen as the instructor.  He gave us a comprehensible lecture along with seasoned demonstrations.  We noticed that Bonsai minds its front view where the boughs are arranged in a right-side flow or a left-side flow.  Mr. Kawakami was very generous to answer each and every question raised during the Q&A session.  All attendees expressed their appreciation with a big applause.  We sincerely hope that the black pine Bonsai, created by each attendee, will bring in a happy New Year to all.

Instructor: Ms. KANADA Suimu (Mainichi Shodo Association)Date: Sunday, September 26, 2021Venue: Minato City Li…

Our instructors for this workshop were again Dr. MIZUNO Kayano, industrial counselor & Gestalt therapist, and Ms. KUBOTA Mari, flower design artist. We were pleased to have a total of 30 attendees, including a Chinese and two MUA members. Three MUA staff assisted the instructors in accommodating the group. In “Bonseki”, you create a grand scenery of ocean or mountain images on a black lacquered tray, using typical utensils such as feathers of swan or hawk and tiny spoons, and laying out small stones and white sand on the tray. This creation process is called an action of “Utsu.” Other utensils include silver spoon, small broom, sifter and tiny twigs. “Bonseki” was originated and developed during the Muromachi period by renowned historical figures such as Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, Senno Rikyu and Hosokawa Tadaoki. Thus, it was polished and established as a unique Japanese culture.