Happy Birthday Professor K. I remember the day you asked me if I would like to go to a Japanese flower arranging lesson.
Your secretary was happy to accompany me and translate for me. I had just arrived in Japan and was surprised that such an eminent Professor would even bother to ask a young researcher like me.
So thanks to you, I had my first ikebana lesson that Friday afternoon. On Monday morning after the departmental meeting your secretary asked me to go to your office. You had something to tell me. I was quite worried.
There you were standing at the door and then proceeded to demonstrate the proper way to take off one’s shoes before going into a Japanese house. Also, never to put my feet on the ground where the shoes are and then ….I was stifling a giggle of relief and disbelief.
This was over 30 years ago and I still go to my ikebana lesson on Friday afternoon.
Thank you Professor and happy birthday for this Monday.
My ikebana arrangement at the 30th anniversary exhibition of the Ohara School Machida Chapter. A 2 liter bottle to indicate the size.
Dear Nadia,
ReplyDeleteThis is a great story! I remember that you told me in email before. It is a nice birthday gift to Professor K. that you shared this story.
I really appreciate that you share your knowledge and experience with us.
Yirou
He was 77 this year.
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