In his speech, the Japanese Ambassador said, "Ikebana has flourished in Japan in the last 500 years. While western style of flower arrangement focuses primarily on the decorative aspect, the Japanese try to denote the harmony in nature.

"The demonstration and seminar will highlight the "Ikenobo" style of Ikebana. Ikenobo is the oldest school of Ikebana and the tradition developed in Kyoto as a Buddhist floral offering.

"Currently there are around 3,000 Ikebana schools in Japan. The art-form is practiced by 15 million in Japan alone. There are 60,000 Ikenobo teachers around the world.

"We believe cultural bond has the most profound impact among all kinds of ties between nations. A meaningful relationship can only materialise when both parties understand and respect each other's traditions and culture. On the occasion of 35th anniversary of diplomatic relationship between Japan and Bangladesh, I hope this demonstration and seminar will encourage flora enthusiasts in Bangladesh."

Director general of National Museum, Samar Chandra Paul said, "Wild flowers bloom and wither in the bushes and by the sidewalks in our country. Hopefully, this growing interest in Ikebana will inspire Bangladeshis to create beautiful designs with our local flowers."

Secretary to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, ABM Abdul Howk Chowdhury was the chief guest at the event.

Two renowned Ikenobo teachers from Japan -- Ishiwata Masafumi and Sasayama Yasufumi -- conducted a demonstration on different arrangements in Ikenobo style.

A rather unfortunate and embarrassing incident was the eager audience that included foreign delegates and other dignitaries, getting annoyed by two incompetent translators wasting about 20 minutes fumbling and stuttering incoherently. The translators were eventually replaced.

Using flowers and vases bought in Dhaka, the two masters demonstrated three arrangements in Ikenobo style. In the "Rikka" arrangement, basic parts are arranged with several contrasting but complementary materials, delineating the beauty of a landscape. "Shoka", another arrangement, comprises three main branches -- "shin", "soe" and "tai" -- forming a unity that symbolises life's perpetual change and regeneration. The "free style" is the most recent to emerge from the Ikenobo way of Ikebana. As a more personal expression, it is suited to contemporary environments and tastes.

The programme ended yesterday with a seminar at Nalinikanta Bhattashali Hall.