Every year,  Chapter Board Members each receive an invitation to the Emperor’s Birthday event from the Consular Office of Japan in Portland. This year, through Nana Bellerud’s efforts, the Chapter provided arrangements to display.

Nana reports that “It was a wonderful opportunity for the public promotion of ikebana with nearly 400 guests including Governor Brown who said “I didn’t realize Ikebana can be this big”. Our partners, the Portland Japanese Garden, Portland Art Museum as well as potential ones including Sister City Associations were also present.”

The Chapter received a formal letter from Consular General Furusawa who expressed his “deepest appreciation” and added a brief handwritten note of thanks in Japanese.