October 15, 2021 – A Celebration of Tradition, Series 2: Autumn Breeze

October 15, 2021 – A Celebration of Tradition: Teacher Advisor, Autumn Breeze

Joan Yusui Suzuki was born in San Francisco and moved to Japan at age six. While in Japan, she began her studies in Sogetsu Ikebana and received her first teaching certificate at the age of 16. Upon her return to the US in 1949, she continued her college studies and graduated from San Francisco City College. In 1953, she began teaching Ikebana classes and while assisting her mother, Shunei Uchida, in her classes. It was Mrs. Uchida who introduced Sogetsu Ikebana to the Bay Area. In 1973, Joan was awarded the rank of Riji, the highest rank in the Sogetsu School, by Sogetsu Headmaster Sofu Teshigahara. Suzuki Sensei joined I.I. as a member at large prior to the founding of our Chapter. Joan is a charter member of the San Francisco Bay Area Chapter of Ikebana International and currently serves as the Sogetsu School Advisor to the Chapter. She is a founding member of the San Francisco Bay Area Branch of the Sogetsu School and has served as Deputy Director, Director and is currently the Director Emeritus.

She is a charter member and past President of the Ikebana Teachers Federation. She has demonstration and exhibited widely for many organizations, including the I.I. biennial flower shows, the annual Cherry Blossom Festival and numerous Sogetsu events.

Suzuki Sensei has been received many awards for Ikebana and cultural activities throughout her career. The most recently the Certificate of Commendation for promoting relations between California Japan through Ikebana from Consul General Yamada, induction into the Bunka Hall of Fame from the JAANC and the Overseas Honour Award at the 90th Sogetsu Commemorative Ceremony.

This program was presented live October 15, 2021 on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ikebanasf.

It was recorded and can be viewed here: