We had a wonderful chapter meeting to kick-off this fiscal year at Consul General and Mrs. Ota’s official residence.  Thirty eight people attended.  Mrs. Ota gave us welcome speech.  She related that viewing ikebana brings feelings such as “happy, peaceful, calm and friendly…and Spiritual”.  

After Mrs. Ota’s speech, Consul Akihiro Fujimori presented the program: "Cherry Blossoms in Space" - How Seattle’s Cherry Blossoms Made a Journey into Space”.  He mentioned that a Japanese Astronaut will visit the Museum of Flight.  He asked us to keep in touch for the event via his website, www.Seattle.us.emb-japan.go.jp/index.htm.
It was a very interesting and unique program. 

We had delicious afternoon tea with Japanese sweets prepared by the cooking staff at the residence.  We all thank Mrs. Ota for her special hospitality.

At that time, we presented Mrs. Junko Ota and Mrs. Yoshiko Nakamura with honorary membership and we welcomed Iris Wagner and Noel Wells as two new members.

Nobuko Ohgi
President