``Misho-ryu Sasaoka'' was founded in 1919 (Taisho XNUMX) and is known for devising a new ``Sasaoka style morika'' using Western flowers. The current headmaster, Ryuho Sasaoka, is attracting attention for his activities in a wide range of fields, including not only traditional flower arranging expressions, but also collaborations with other genres such as musicals and Kyogen. Mr. Sasaoka, who lives in Kyoto, talks about the monthly flowers and Kyoto's special features for each month in his series ``Monthly Flowers, Monthly Kyo'', and for October, ``Umemodoki'' and ``Hana-kai''.

A branch in an unusual condition with leaves and fruit attached at the time was used as the headmaster's work.

This flower was chosen as the headmaster's work at the ``Misho-ryu Sasaoka Kyoto Branch Exhibition'' held at Shoren-in Temple in Kyoto in October of the year before last. The branch on the right with red berries is Umemodoki. When written in kanji, it means "plum pseudonym." It bears bright red fruits, but it is said that the name does not originate from this fruit, but from the fact that its leaves resemble plums.

Where it grows wild, the fruit and leaves may be attached at the same time, but by the time the flowers arrive at the flower shop, the leaves have often fallen off and only the fruit is left. It was a rare opportunity to be able to use it as a flower material with its beautiful contrast. The branches are also quite elegant. The vase is an object by Shogo Wataru, which I introduced in the September article.

The pink gold vase is a revenge for summer 2021

Do you know what the sleek silver vase with an elongated silhouette is on the left? This is actually the torch that runners carried during the torch relay at the Tokyo Olympics. After being postponed for a year, I was the final runner in Kyoto City for the torch relay held in 1. The Kyoto City Torch Relay departed from Nijo Castle and ended at Heian Shrine, where I was to light the cauldron set up within the shrine grounds. My plan to place flowers to welcome them at a location before entering Heian Shrine had also been approved by the Olympic Organizing Committee.

However, everything was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. In the end, I had a short final run, quietly carrying the flame I received from a geisha from Gion Town to the cauldron at Kyoto Stadium in Kameoka, where only family members were allowed to enter the stands. At the ``Kyoto Branch Exhibition'' held two months later, the torch used at that time was used as a vase. The torch, which shines in pink gold, is designed with the image of cherry blossoms. Therefore, I planted cosmos, which is an autumn cherry tree, and added amaranth to create a curved shape. This torch fit better than I expected in the alcove of Shoren-in Temple, and until I explained it to them, quite a few people thought it was a modern art vase.

The torch is still kept at home. The result of the torch relay was a little disappointing, but as I actually received the torch and ran while holding it aloft, I was reminded once again of the importance of passing on the torch. The same goes for schools. Taking the sash from the previous generation and passing the baton to the next generation. Every time I look at the torch, I think that Japanese traditional culture is interconnected in this way.

The school's biggest event is held on the second Sunday of October.

The ``Kyoto Branch Exhibition'', held on the second Sunday of October, is the largest event at Miso-ryu Sasaoka. Since I took over as head of the school, I have always used Shoren-in as the venue, but for the past three years, last year, this year, and next year, I was unable to use it due to the roof being repainted, and Nanzen The venue will be the temple Tenjuan.

It's a great sight to see over 100 works by the Kyoto branch's Kadoba on display, and I also feel a sense of responsibility in showing off the works of the iemoto. Ikekomi is held at the venue the day before, but you can't do much at the venue, so preparation two days in advance is the key. In addition to checking out my own work, I also go around checking out all the works at the venue the day before.

Therefore, the week or two before this flower party is very hectic. And when it ends successfully, I breathe a sigh of relief. The topic of going out for dinner with the family finally comes up.

Last but not least, this year's (Reiwa 5) "Kyoto Branch Exhibition" will be held on October 10th (Sunday). There are 8 venues. The Westin Miyako Kyoto is a 10-minute walk from Nanzenji Tenjuan Hojo and Daishoin, which are normally closed to the public, and Tenjuan. Please do not miss. (For details, please see the "Event Information" page on the "Mishoryu Sasaoka" homepage.)