Press Release on July 9, 2007


Foreign Minister of Japan awarded Jordan Chapter of Ikebana International


The first regional convention of Ikebana International in the Middle East
(In Amman, 2005)
 
H.E. Mr. Taro Aso, Foreign Minister of Japan, awarded Jordan Chapter of Ikebana International the Foreign Minister's Commendation on 9 July 2007 for its contributions to the deepening of friendship and mutual understanding between Japan and Jordan through the promotion of Japanese art of Ikebana.

The Foreign Minister’s Certificate of commendation was introduced in 1983 to pay tribute to those who have rendered especially distinguished activities in promoting friendly relations with foreign countries and international cooperation. The ceremony of awarding an honor takes place on 8 July or after every year in commemoration of the establishment of the Foreign Ministry, which was founded on 8 July 1869. Ikebana International Jordan Chapter was a single group to be recognized from the Middle East and Africa this year.

In 1982, H.H. Sherifa Hind Nasser, Shizuyo Nakayama, wife of the then Ambassador of Japan, and a group of women established the Jordanian Chapter of Ikebana International. Six years later, the Chapter was officially recognized by its Headquarters. For its members in Jordan, Ikebana is not only an extremely dramatic and artistic form of flower arrangement, but it also exemplifies the beauty of Japanese culture. It has inspired cultural exchange and dialogue between our two countries. It has also reminded Jordanian people to admire the intricate details of leaves, seedpods and flowers in their country and across the world. Since Jordan Chapter of Ikebana International was established, there have been many workshops and presentations conducted by both local and international instructors.

Ambassador of Japan to Jordan, Mr. Shigenobu Kato, conveyed the auspicious news to Mrs. Hind Shalan, President of Ikebana International Jordan Chapter on be half of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan. The Ambassador proposed to her that he host an awarding ceremony in Amman this September.

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