What is Sogetsu?

Yasuko Robinson, one of our Branch's founders, had done a fine job getting a large group interested in Sogetsu ikebana and laid a firm foundation for a registered Sogetsu group.

Stanley Marcus had for several years been showcasing different countries with "FORTNIGHT CELEBRATIONS." In 1974, Neiman's extended an invitation to Kasumi Teshigahara, then Vice-President and Master Teacher of the Sogetsu School in Tokyo, for a month-long visit in Dallas for "FORTNIGHT JAPAN 1974," which featured all things Japanese, including ikebana. It was an exciting time. Yasuko and Sogetsu School knew we were ready. So plans were made for Kasumi to charter Sogetsu Dallas Branch while she was in Dallas.

In May 1927, in Tokyo, Sofu Teshigahara formed a new school of ikebana, "THE SOGETSU SCHOOL." Sofu took the name from the two Chinese characters meaning "Grass" and "Moon." The combination of these two words transmits a vast feeling of the universe.

At the end of World War II, everything in Japan was broken. Mr. Sofu pulled himself and his school together and began using even rubble at his feet to make arrangements, showing the world there was beauty everywhere. His school flourished.

Mrs. Hisako Yamaguchi, Director of the Overseas Department in Tokyo, advised that there were 46 Branches of Sogetsu School in Japan. In 1964 the first overseas Branch was formed in Hawaii with Kikuyo Yamasaki as Director. Now there were 67 Sogetsu Branches in 24 countries.

The beautiful Miss Kasumi arrived in Dallas as the honored guest of Neiman Marcus in October 1974. Mary Sugiyama, Sogetsu United States Director, came as a translator. Many plans were being made. Our important day was November 14th, at 11:00 A.M. The champagne/buffet at the beautiful "21 Club on Turtle Creek" was a roaring success. We knew we had arrived when Kasumi handed the paper making Yasuko Robinson, Director of the Sogetsu Dallas Branch. There were 33 registered student members and many guests attending. It was a lovely day.

Mrs. Robinson maintained the Director's position until 1988. The Iemoto then, Hiroshi Teshigahara, appointed her as Advisor, and she continues in this capacity.

From a document written in 1994 for the 20th Anniversary Celebration Sayonara Dinner on November 5, 1994, at Royal Tokyo.