From Malaysia★Flower Arranger Kariyazaki Promotes Japan-Malaysia Friendship Through Flowers

Flower arrangement master Shogo Kariyazaki visited Malaysia for three days starting April 22. He performed ikebana demonstrations at various events, promoting friendship between Japan and Malaysia. This was reported by NNA, which distributes economic information in Asia.

On the 23rd, he demonstrated flower arrangement at the opening ceremony of the "Sakura Collection (Student Division)", a student fashion design contest themed around Japan. The arrangement featured local Malaysian flowers that Mr. Kariyazaki personally selected at a market in Kuala Lumpur. Combining vibrant colors like red, yellow, and yellow-green, she created a piece expressing a lively celebratory mood. This marks Kariyazaki's second visit to Malaysia; last year, she served as a judge for the Sakura Collection. Regarding her impression of Malaysia, she stated, "The people are warm. The markets are rich with plants different from Japan's, and I got the impression they really love flowers."

That same evening, he performed in a "Collaboration Concert," presenting his arrangements synchronized with the Malaysian Orchestra. This marked his first collaboration concert in Malaysia. Kariyazaki expressed his hope: "I wish to connect countries with different languages through music and flowers."

This series of Japan-Malaysia friendship events was held with the cooperation of the Embassy of Japan in Malaysia and support from the Japan Foundation.

Mr. Kariyazaki demonstrating flower arrangement in Malaysia (left, photo by NNA)