Chongqing - The Japanese Foreign Minister's Commendation is awarded to Zheng Qiaoxue, President of the Chongqing Flower Arrangement Association, to acknowledge her contributions to promoting ikebana culture and friendship between China and Japan.

Zheng Qiaoxue vigorously promotes Japanese-style 'Caoyue' floral art in China. "I believe it also has prospects in China because it is not limited to the use of flowers and leaf materials, the use of various types of heterogeneous materials so that it can persist in decorative results and reduce costs. It does not use flower clay but advocates using all kinds of burnt materials, in line with the trend of environmental protection of the times. In addition to trade decoration, the floral paintings we plan for the home are also very popular with customers."

The Consulate General of Japan in Chongqing holds the commendation ceremony for Zheng Qiaoxue at the Grandma Bear Garden in Yubei District on Oct 27. Takada Mari, Consul General of Japan in Chongqing, awarded her the certificate and commemorative gift at the event.

Takada Mari (left), Consul General of Japan in Chongqing, awarded the certificate and commemorative gift to Zheng Qiaoxue (right) on Oct 27 in Yubei District. (Photo/Deng Yan)

This year, the Commendations have been awarded to 197 individuals and 48 groups. Zheng Qiaoxue is one of only six individuals in China.

Takada Mari, the Consul General of Japan in Chongqing, said, "Over the years, Zheng has hosted and co-organized various competitions for the Chongqing floral art many times and has held the Chongqing ikebana exhibition. In addition, she also assisted the consulate general in carrying out various cultural experience activities and positively contributed to the exchange of ikebana culture between China and Japan."

Zheng Qiaoxue made her speech at the event. (Photo/Deng Yan)

Zheng studied ikebana culture in the Philippines' Manila and Tokyo from 2002 to 2006. Since 2015, she has served as the president of the Chongqing Flower Arrangement Association.

On the same day, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between China and Japan, Zheng launched the "Warm Autumn ・ China-Japanese Flower Arrangement Art Exhibition" at the Grandma Bear Garden in Yubei District.

A floral art exhibit at Warm Autumn ・ China-Japanese Flower Arrangement Art Exhibition. (Photo/Deng Yan)

A floral art exhibit at Warm Autumn ・ China-Japanese Flower Arrangement Art Exhibition. (Photo/Deng Yan)