Japanese Morning: Ikebana and Japanese Traditional Culture Reception
2026/2/4
On 15th January, Embassy of Japan co-hosted the cultural event “Japanese Morning: Ikebana and Japanese Traditional Culture Reception” at the Ambassador’s Residence together with Ikebana International Kuala Lumpur Chapter 72 (IIKL), introducing various aspects of Japanese culture, with a focus on ikebana — the art of arranging cut stems, leaves, and flowers in vases and other containers, a practice that has developed in Japan over more than seven centuries.
The program opened with a collaborative performance featuring koto and jiuta shamisen by the Koto Music Circle of the Japan Club of Kuala Lumpur, together with cello by Ms. Udagawa Aoi of the Bilkent Symphony Orchestra, Türkiye. This was followed by an ikebana demonstration by Japanese members of IIKL, and a tea ceremony presented by OMOTESENKE DOMONKAI International Association Kuala Lumpur Unit. An Awa Odori dance performance was also given by Ms. Fujimoto Hiromi, a dancer based in Malaysia.
In addition, the reception was attended by distinguished guests, including YB Tuan Chew Chong Man, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and Mrs. Putri Shahda Azza binti Megat Burhainuddin, Deputy Director of Policy and Research Division of National Department for Culture and Arts.
Through this event, guests experienced the rich diversity and depth of Japanese culture firsthand. The Embassy will continue to promote cultural initiatives of this kind to further enhance mutual understanding and strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between Japan and Malaysia.
The program opened with a collaborative performance featuring koto and jiuta shamisen by the Koto Music Circle of the Japan Club of Kuala Lumpur, together with cello by Ms. Udagawa Aoi of the Bilkent Symphony Orchestra, Türkiye. This was followed by an ikebana demonstration by Japanese members of IIKL, and a tea ceremony presented by OMOTESENKE DOMONKAI International Association Kuala Lumpur Unit. An Awa Odori dance performance was also given by Ms. Fujimoto Hiromi, a dancer based in Malaysia.
In addition, the reception was attended by distinguished guests, including YB Tuan Chew Chong Man, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and Mrs. Putri Shahda Azza binti Megat Burhainuddin, Deputy Director of Policy and Research Division of National Department for Culture and Arts.
Through this event, guests experienced the rich diversity and depth of Japanese culture firsthand. The Embassy will continue to promote cultural initiatives of this kind to further enhance mutual understanding and strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between Japan and Malaysia.