May This Be a Year of Renewal for All Things

While reflecting on the traditional Japanese colors that celebrate the New Year, I've incorporated a touch of New York flair to express my prayers for renewal.

In the arrangement above, peony-colored petals painted gold serve as a ribbon-like substitute for mizuhiki. Gold yellow and vibrant purple are traditional Japanese colors, yet they also form a common color combination in New York.

Furthermore, the photograph above features pure white dahlias and amaryllis paired with lime green chrysanthemums, their sharp elegance enhanced by a lustrous, bronze-colored square vase. This arrangement expresses a sense of pure clarity.

Incidentally, one of the colors that struck me as embodying the New Year in New York was, surprisingly, red and white. Just as lobster is enjoyed in Japan for New Year's, it graces the festive tables here.

The streets are adorned with deep red amaryllis, roses, and white branches. A touch of sparkle is added as an accent, perfectly evoking the champagne that celebrates the countdown.

May this year bring renewal to all things, drawing strength from the resilience of the Japanese spirit, which was so highly praised again last year.


*All works are featured in the current issue of "Best Flower Arrangement" magazine (Four Seasons Press).