Rikka

The bird of paradise flower is a fascinating plant that makes a real statement with its vibrant flowers and exotic shapes, and not just in the Rikka Shōfūtai. It belongs to the Strelitziaceae family and originally comes from the humid tropical regions of Africa.

An eventful Ikebana year has come to an end and new ikebana events are already casting their shadows ahead. In Japan, New Year's Day - known as Oshōgatsu - is always a special day, as it is the most important festival in the Japanese calendar. While the 'Ode to Joy' (Japanese: 'Fu-Ro-I-De') is traditionally performed by orchestras in Japan at the end of the year, the first sunrise on New Year's Day has a special significance.