Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on April 2010

Japanese gardens, ikebana and bonsai are renowned the world over, but where are contemporary practitioners taking these forms? The massive Japan Horticultural Festival will provide some indication. Among the well-known personalities in attendance will be flamboyant ikebana artist and TV personality Shogo Kariyazaki (right), who offers an exhibition on “The Japanese Modern Garden,” while Kaori Yamada—from a venerable family of bonsai practitioners—applies flower-arranging principles to rooted trees and plants in a new style she calls saika. Also of interest will be flower artist Keita Kawasaki’s “Neo Japan,” a contemporary re-envisioning of an Edo era village.

Exhibition of ikebana art works by renowned practitioners like Shogo Kariyazaki, plus various engei workshops available for family and kids. Until May 9, 9am, ¥800 (adv)/¥1,000 (door), Saitama Super Arena. Nearest stn: Saitama Shintoshin. www.saitama-arena.co.jp/engei-fes/