28 September 2025

Forty-six members and friends of II56 met at historic Natsunoya Tea House where we welcomed one new member in attendance and happily shopped the vase sale and auction.  Four of the exhibited arrangements featured some type of Japanese fan as examples of what members might do in the next Splendors of Ikebana exhibit in the spring.  The 5th arrangement represented the Obon yagura, or musicians' platform used in the center of bon dances, and lanterns surrounded by smaller arrangements representing dancers.  Table centerpieces used a variety of donated vases that had accumulated over time...  After a brief business meeting and delicious buffet lunch, sisters Devynn and Kiley Kochi taught the group several dances ranging from the well-known bon dance Tanko Bushi to the Pokémon song and even dancing in pairs to Beautiful Sunday.  A fun time was had by all!