Message of sympathy from Iemoto Akane Teshigahara, Sogetsu School of Ikebana

I’m terribly sorry to hear that the new coronavirus infection COVID- 19 has claimed lives and is making so many people seriously sick.
Let me send my heartfelt encouragement and support to all, now we are fighting against this invisible virus in Japan and around the world.
Right now, our activities which have been taken for granted have to be cancelled or restricted to prevent spreading this virus. I feel that the immense anxiety is foremost in everyone’s mind. Under such a situation, however, we need to keep calm and considerate toward others around us in every possible way.
We, the Sogetsu School, have been arranging flowers believing that ikebana has no national borders under any circumstances and that flowers can bring happiness and peace of mind equally to all the people around the world.
I believe, just as we arrange flowers thinking of viewers, we can overcome the current danger by supporting each other mentally and sharing knowledge.
Hoping we can soon get back to those peaceful days when we can enjoy ikebana together.
Let’s do our best.

Akane Teshigahara

向由于新型冠状病毒而逝世，以及正在与病魔做斗争的朋友们致以衷心的慰问。
并且，不仅是在日本，还有世界的各个角落正在为这个看不见的病毒而努力战斗的每一个人，我在心理深处为你们加油鼓劲。
新型冠状病的的流行，打乱了我们所有的生活，种种限制也让我们感到十分不安。但是，正因为处于这样的时刻，我们更应该冷静地进行判断，不能忘了体谅和关心身边的人。
我们草月流主张在任何时候，都没有国境的限制，我们相信花能给全世界人带去同等的喜悦与平静。
哪怕只是早一天，也盼望着尽早恢复有花平和的日常生活，为此让我们一起来思考，时至当下我们能够做些什么。
大家，我们一起加油！！

敕使河原茜