Who would have thought flowers needed their own industry fair? Growers, florists, ikebana schools and floral supplies makers, that's who.
A group of them are getting together this weekend at Tokyo Big Sight for Flower Dream 2014, a two-day event designed to showcase all manner of floral fun.
In addition to booths by flower-industry companies, displays by local tourist associations from around the country and a massive flower market, the fair will host the 2014 Japan Cup, in which a group of professional florists who have won other events will compete on stage in a live flower-arranging competition. The semi-final will be held on the first day of the fair, April 12, while the final will be on April 13.
There will also be a preserved-flower contest, shows to support the areas of northeastern Japan damaged in the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and a host of participatory events, including flower-arranging classes, flower-raising workshops and exhibits for children.
Flower Dream 2014 takes place at Tokyo Big Sight in Ariake. Entry is ¥1,500, and free for high school and younger students. For more information, visit www.flowerdream-tokyo.net