During the Autumn Tanabata Exhibition on Saturday November 15th, 2025, 34 members of the Youth Association gathered in the Rokkakudo’s grounds to bring their hearts together and make some large ikebana works as one.
The theme of the works was “Clouds Appearing over Bamboo.” Using fresh green bamboo and autumn flowers, the grounds of Rokkakudo were filled with a seasonal atmosphere from the arrangements.
Works in Progress
The morning started with introductions. The group shared a friendly air, with many of them coming from regions as far as Hokkaido or Kumamoto. They also talked about how most of them had salmon rice balls for breakfast. After, they split into 4 teams and began by removing the natural oils in the bamboo. In the afternoon the groups then used power drills to assemble the bamboo before arranging the autumn flora. Though there was hesitation doing this work for the first time, soon enough their teamwork took over, and excitement spread throughout while of building the large works.
Display Spaces
The finished works were displayed in 4 places in the temple grounds.
In front of main temple gates
In front of the WEST 18 building
Next to the Narcissus Senko Rikka statue
In the pond near the 16 Buddhist statues
Each work was full of character, and the temple grounds were transformed by the vibrant bamboo and autumn flora. Guests from abroad stopped to watch and take pictures while the groups worked, and they left an impression by taking an interest in this unique Japanese aesthetic.
Comments from Teachers:
“Each work is truly wonderful.”
“The teamwork of the Youth Association is on full display”
“It was great to see them having so much fun making ikebana.”
The group was praised not just on their ikebana but also on their work ethic, and they were further motivated to work hard on their art.
Comments from Participants:
Temple Gate Team: “It was my first time assembling bamboo like this. It was a lot of fun!”
WEST 18 Team: “I took part last year and didn’t think I would make it this year, but I was hooked and joined again this year.”
Narcissus Rikka Team: “Talking while we worked, I felt us coming together as a team.
16 Statues Team: “The water in the pond and the height of the stone steps was a challenge, but that made it all the more satisfying and fun to attempt!”
Coming together to arrange the bamboo and autumn flora was not just about technique, but it was also a time for heart-to-heart communication. The participants spent the day deepening their bonds to one another and saw new possibilities for ikebana. Ikebana, born in Rokkakudo, truly became an airy and strong presence just like “Clouds over Bamboo.”
Upcoming Youth Association Group Creations
There will be Youth Association Corners at the upcoming 2026 Headquarters Exhibitions in Tokyo, Nagoya, and Fukuoka in the theme of “Clouds Appearing over Bamboo.”