‘Nepal is still a peaceful country’

-- IMAIZUMI AIKO

IMAIZUMI AIKO , instructor of both ikebana and kimono, Japanese traditional costume, recently demonstrated the art of ikebana and kimono in Kathmandu. Organized by the Embassy of Japan in Nepal, many Nepalese and foreign diplomats based in capital attended the program. After her demonstration, Aiko spoke to KESHAB POUDEL on various issues including her recent visit to Kathmandu. Excerpts:

Since you have said that this is your first visit to Nepal, what is your observation about the country?

This is a beautiful country. Although I have not seen the Himalaya with snow peaks because of cloud, I enjoy looking at the green mountains. The historical places including temples, pagodas and old cities of Patan and Bhaktapur were impressive. I saw numerous artistic temples and old places in the Kathmandu Valley.

What is your impression about the people of Nepal?

Well, Nepalese people are very friendly as well as helpful also. Whatever difficulties they have been facing, I find faces of Nepalese are full of joy. Unlike other developed countries of the world, Nepalese relax and happy. This is what I like most. Boys are handsome and girls are beautiful. When I have experimented kimono custom to Nepalese girls, I found that the dress makes Nepalese ladies more beautiful. You can rarely see this kind of people in other parts of the world.

When there is very negative publicity about Nepal, don’t you realize visiting Nepal is dangerous?

When I arrived in Nepal, I did not find any kinds violent and disturbance in Kathmandu valley as written and broadcasted by international media. I have seen people are living together and there is hardly any sign of conflicts. I get the impression that even people and animal are living in harmony.

Do you mean Nepal is peaceful?

There are many dangerous places in the world than Nepal. We used to read and watch in television regarding the blasts and explosions in Iraq, Afghanistan and other African cities. Even many European countries are not free from threat of terrorist attacks. I can say that Nepal is still a peaceful country. I have seen many tourists are coming to Nepal.

Do you have any plan to come next time in Nepal?

If I get opportunities, I will visit this country of beautiful landscapes and friendly people. I am really impressed by the combinations of culture, religion and mountains.

At a time when western custom are dominating the world, how do you see the future of Asian traditional dress like kimono?

There is no doubt that the western customs are dominating around the world and traditional dress like kimono is under the threat of extinction. Despite popularity of western dress, we have been trying our best to preserve this traditional Japanese customs. I am happy to say that kimono is gradually returning in Japan. Many people ware this traditional dress in their family functions.

Are there any changes traditional patterns of kimono?

Its style has changed significantly from one period of Japan’s history to another, and today there are many different types of kimonos worn by men, women and children. Kimono varies according to the sex of the wearer, the season of the years and the occasion for which the kimono is worn. Among modern kimonos, women’s kimonos are the most elaborate and varied in style and design. Sleeve length and the details of the obi (belt) and the way it is tied vary according to the wearer’s age, social and material status.

As an instructor of traditional ikebana, Japanese art of flower, how do you see the verities of flowers available in Nepal and why did you select Mary Gold in your performance?

Mary gold seems to be a common flower of Nepal as I have seen the flower almost all areas of Nepal. I first encountered the flower at airport upon my arrival. As it is available in all the areas, I choose may gold.

How long you have been in the promoting the ikebana and kimono?

Since 1985, I have been teaching and promoting the charm of ikebana and kimono contributing to the enhancement of Japanese culture. The art of Japanese flower arrangement (ikebana) also called kado, or the Way of Flowers, has been pursued as a form of mediation to the natural cycle of birth, growth, decay and rebirth gives ikebana a deep spiritual resonance. There are many schools around Japan teaching the art of making ikebana.

What strange things do you encounter in the street of capital?

It is unbelievable to see such diverse activities are going on the street of capital Kathmandu. The roads seem to be everything to see including the costumes of people and their life style. I have seen cars, bus, trucks, motorbikes and bicycles and pedestrians. It is very congested and people hardly care the rule and regulations in the street. In our country, we cannot imagine such things. Drivers as well as pedestrians follow the rules and regulations in the roads.