My Way of Saluting Japan’s National Flag

Snowy White with Baby Breath and Orchid

Japan – America Society of the State of Washington celebrated its centennial anniversary on November 28.  For that occasion, I was asked to make a large ikebana arrangement to welcome guests at the entrance. 


The first thing I decided was the colors of the flowers I would use – no other than bright red and snowy white!  The only two colors to represent Japan’s national flag.  At the wholesale flower shop, a bunch of amaryllis, just about to bloom.  That’s it for the red!  For the white, I chose orchid and baby breath. 

The next step was to select the vase.  The round container with a smaller mouth.  With this shape of the vase, you can place two long branches to cross each other inside it, enabling a large structure. 

The photo above shows when I placed two long branches in the round vase.  Both branches are dry, and I spray-painted one of them for a change.  These dry branches come in handy when creating a large structure, so I keep them in the garage.  My husband thinks I hoard so much junk in the garage.  Well, honey, somebody’s junk is a treasure for somebody else.

The arrangement was well received at the celebration party.  I really liked it too, so when I brought it home I rearranged it, took a photo, and also made this year’s greeting card. 

I Wish you a happy 2024!