History

Greek Chapter of Ohara School of Ikebana, Japan.

The japanese traditional art Ikebana of Ohara School of Japan became known in Greece by the late President of the Greek-Japanese Association, Constantin Bertsos, who was supported by the Japanese Embassy in Greece.

During the period of 1979 – 1982, President Constantin Bertsos organized Ikebana seminars at the premises of the Greek-Japanese Association. These Ikebana seminars were directed by Master Reiko Kimura, sent to Greece by the Ohara School of Ikebana in Japan.

In 1982, Headmaster Houn Ohara of Ohara School sent to Athens his daughter Miss Wakako Ohara as his deputy. Miss Ohara was the Director of the International Division of Ohara School and was responsible for the 56 International Chapters of Ohara School worldwide. Miss Ohara was accompanied by Master Ryusi Takahashi and Master Reiko Kimura.

An Ikebana demonstration and exhibition was organized at the Hotel “Grand Bretagne” in Athens. Master Ryusi Takahashi demonstrated wonderful Ikebana arrangements of Ohara School to the audience of Athens. This event was highly praised by the media.

Thanks to the initiative of the President of the Greek Japanese Association, Constantin Bertsos, and Helen Petracopoulos, the Greek Chapter of Ohara School of Japan was officially founded in Greece in 1983.

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