GEORGE NEWS - World renowned Ikebana expert, Charles Kinnear and the owner of Deur die Blare, Alta Scott, welcomed the Japanese team to George with a special flourish.
Japanese floral arrangements, a very popular art form in Japan, welcomed the team at the airport and at the media centre next to Outeniqua Park in George.

Ikebana arrangements and a sign with the words ‘Ikebana irasshia Japan’, meaning ‘Ikebana welcomes Japan’ impressed the team and management who were deeply touched by the gesture.

Ikebana designs have special meaning and are constantly adapted to suit any special occasion or happening.
Scott, a former Kinnear protege, is trained in Ikebana, Western flower arrangement and floristry.
She supplies and arranges flowers for any event imaginable and is a flower art expert in her own right.

Scott says the Ikebana arrangements at the airport and media centre showcase the Garden Route’s own floral kingdom.
"The Japanese are very impressed by our designs. In Japan everyone is familiar with Ikebaba and it’s an art form that’s widely practised and an integral part of Japanese culture. Japan is the only country world wide that actually exports their floral art and has many Ikebana specialist schools."

Sogetsu, the modern Ikebana school, is 82 years old and a giant 18-storey building, proving just how popular Ikebana is.
Charles Kinnear also studied at Sogetsu and has trained students all over the globe.
Two years ago Kinnear was invited to Sogetsu’s 80th celebrations and received an honorary award for his contribution to Ikebana in the world.

Article and photos: Ilse Schoonraad


Charles Kinnear takes a breather in front of his Ikebana creation.


Hiroaki Tsujikami from the Japan Football Association with Charles Kinnear and Alta Scott at the media centre in George.