Speech by Consul General Eiichi Kawahara
Welcome Remarks by Consul General Kawahara On February 6, 2012
First of all, thank you for kindly inviting me to this interesting seminar, hosted by the Morikami Board of Trustees. I am most honored to say my welcoming remarks in front of such eminent persons from across the United States.
As you are aware, the land where Morikami Museum and Japanese Garden is located was donated to Palm Beach County and to the City of Delray Beach by a Japanese farmer, an agricultural wholesaler, Mr. George Morikami. Mr. Morikami donated about 200 acres of land.
The oldest building at the Japanese Garden is called Yamato-Kan. From the outside, it looks exactly like any other Katsura detached house in Kyoto. But once you get inside the building, it is a small wonder for children and adults.
When you walk throughout the amazing gardens, you come across interesting styles of wooden bridges, gates, pathways and trails that connect each section of the garden, all surrounding the mirror-like serene pond. Stones in the gardens were brought from mountains in the United States and were custom cut to meet the individual needs of each garden’s section. The garden was masterfully designed by Mr. Hoichi Kurisu, a well-known architect of Japanese gardens.
At the Morikami, we can enjoy a variety of cultural and educational events for children and adults throughout the year. These events serve to heighten the local knowledge of Japanese culture in a pleasurable and beautiful atmosphere. I should highlight, among the many events, the Japanese celebration of the New Year, or Oshogatsu, which usually takes place the first weekend in January. Also, Ikebana and Japanese Tea Ceremony classes are taught every week by Mme. Chieko Mihori, who is the Vice President for Cultural Affairs and has been teaching Floridians and Japanese for half a century here. Coincidentally, last week, on January 30th, she had an Ikebana demonstration at the Morikami Auditorium, which fascinated the audience because of the breathtaking flower arrangements she prepared with agility, masterful skills and good humor. Demonstrations like this could be shared, through video-conference or any other means, with other Japan related museums, institutes and educational organizations in the United States, thus reaching more American and Japanese people for their education and enjoyment.
The Morikami Museum and Japanese Garden of today is magnificent, and I dare to think that it is way beyond Mr. George Morikami’s original expectations. I highly commend the creativity and enthusiasm of the Morikami Board members who work diligently and tirelessly in making its mission statement of “providing authentic Japanese cultural experiences that entertain, educate and inspire” an every-day life.
The Morikami has an auditorium with capacity for 225 people, an authentic and traditional tea house in Japan and ample space for museum exhibitions. The President of the Board of Trustees even mentioned to me that there is a project in the pipelines for an artisan village and additional education space on the Morikami grounds. The value and role of the Morikami, in the framework of the US-Japan relations, is immeasurable. The Morikami serves to make Japan’s cultural heritage easily accessible to Floridians and all Americans through its beautifully designed website!
Today’s seminar focuses on enhancing the role of the Morikami in the context of Japan-US relation. As an admirer of the Morikami, I am also happy to promote the Morikami Museum and Japanese Garden to be more visible and popular throughout the United States.
The Morikami is located in the beautiful area of Palm Beach County, endowed with fine and warm weather even in winter time. Therefore, it is a popular destination for Americans and Canadians alike. Why not use the Morikami in the winter season as a national center for Japanese culture and art exchange program associated with Japan-US relations?
We have today, among us, representatives from The Japan Society of Boston, The Japan Society of N.Y. and a retired general of US Marine Corps forces in Japan. They have lots of experience and innovative ideas to share with us. I wish the participants for this strategic seminar will enjoy all sessions and presentations on the agenda, and that they would share their ideas and recommendations with the Morikami at the end of the day.
*Please visit the web site of the Morikami at the following:
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