Ghent Floralies Opening Event

On April 21, the Ghent Floralies, a flower show held once every five years, was officially opened. This year, in accordance with the 150 Years of Friendship between Japan and Belgium, Japan was the country of honor of this edition. As a result, the Bijloke site, one of the four venues of the Floralies, was centered on the theme of Japan. The official opening of Ghent Floralies, attended by His Majesty King Philippe and Her Majesty Queen Mathilde, started at the Bijloke site, where the King and Queen received explanation from Ambassador Ishii, Iemoto (Headmistress) of the Sōgetsu-school Ms. Akane Teshigahara, as well as from the Vice Mayor of Kanazawa. The King and Queen showed a fond appreciation and listened attentively to the explanation about the installations of the Iemoto, the ikebana exhibits from 3 schools of ikebana (Ikenobō, Ohara and Sōgetsu), the bonsai trees and the Japanese garden by the City of Kanazawa, the sister city of Ghent. As a symbol of Japanese-Belgian friendship, “East meets West” florist Daniel Ost’s work and haiku art were also on display.

The Ghent Floralies are held until May 1st.