2019 Fall Government Decorations | Mrs. Hisako Shofu Shohara Receives Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Ray
Announcement of the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles, November 4, 2019
On November 3, 2019, the Government of Japan announces the recipients of its Fall 2019 Decorations. From the jurisdiction of the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles, Mrs. Hisako Shohara will be awarded Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays.
Mrs. Hisako Osako aka Hisako Shofu Shohara – Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays
Mrs. Shohara Hisako began studying flower arrangement in 1942 under the Ohara School of Ikebana. Since arriving in Los Angeles, Mrs. Shohara has shared the traditional Japanese cultural art of ikebana with the public through her teaching. In addition to teaching ikebana flower arrangement to the spouses of U.S. service members formerly stationed in Japan, Mrs. Shohara has taught students community service extension classes at Los Angeles City College for over 30 years.
Her instruction to local students and adults has helped deepen understanding about ikebana. Some of her former students have gone on to become licensed teachers themselves, carrying on Mrs. Shohara’s passion for ikebana.
Over the years, Mrs. Shohara has held many exhibits and ikebana demonstrations during Nisei Week and at such venues as the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center and the Japanese American National Museum.
In addition, her exhibits and demonstrations at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Price Collection have helped pass on traditional ikebana techniques to students, ensuring that the cultural art is shared with younger generations.
In recognition of Mrs. Shohara’s achievements, she was presented “The Woman of the Year”,” Distinguished Service Awards” by the Japanese Women’s Society of Southern California and the Japanese American Citizens League, Downtown Los Angeles Chapter.
In 1992, Mrs. Shohara was named an honorary advisor of the North American Ohara Teachers Association. Mrs. Shohara participates in annual North American Ohara Teachers Association conferences held across the United States, aiding instructors sent from the Ohara School Headquarter Center and providing support to fellow instructors of North America’s 32 chapters. In recognition of her achievements outside of Japan, she was named an honorary lifetime member by the Ohara School Headquarter Center in 2011.
When the Ikebana Teachers Association of Southern California was launched in 2015 through the integration of Kadokyojukai and Nanka Ikebana Kyojukai, Mrs. Shohara became its inaugural president, a recognition of her rich experience in the field and leadership skills.
As a member of the Ikebana International Los Angeles chapter, comprised of members from different schools of ikebana, Mrs. Shohara has served in senior positions and held lectures and demonstrations for audiences in California and Arizona. Through ikebana, Mrs. Shohara has contributed to deepening Japan-U.S. understanding and friendship.
In recognition of her more than half-century of notable accomplishments promoting ikebana culture, Mrs. Shohara was awarded the Foreign Minister’s Commendation in 2016.