Through the Eyes of Flowers: the Seasons of Japanese Culture October 29, 2007

Cherry blossoms, plums, iris and wisteria in spring, chrysanthemum and maples in the fall - these are the trees and flowers that remind Japanese people of the arrival of the seasons. In art, literature, food, and contemporary design, Japanese culture is deeply influenced by seasonal flowers. Yozaburo Shirahata, Professor at International Research Center for Japanese Studies in Kyoto, and Liza Dalby, author of 'East Wind Melts the Ice - a Memoir Through the Seasons' examine the relationship between Japanese culture and seasonal flowers. Moderated by Todd Forrest, Vice President of Horticulture, New York Botanical Garden.