From left: Director-General for Cultural Affairs Makita Shimokawa; wife of Peruvian ambassador and 2016 fair Chairperson Cristina Escala; and President of Ikebana International Tokyo Founding Chapter Noriko Kira cut the ribbon to kick off the 2016 Ikebana International Fair The Ikebana International Tokyo Founding Chapter held its annual charity bazaar at the Royal Park Hotel on Dec. 5. | YOSHIAKI MIURA
From left: Director-General for Cultural Affairs Makita Shimokawa; wife of Peruvian ambassador and 2016 fair Chairperson Cristina Escala; and President of Ikebana International Tokyo Founding Chapter Noriko Kira cut the ribbon to kick off the 2016 Ikebana International Fair The Ikebana International Tokyo Founding Chapter held its annual charity bazaar at the Royal Park Hotel on Dec. 5. | YOSHIAKI MIURA

European Union Ambassador Viorel Isticioaia-Budura, raises a glass during a year-end party at Europa House in Tokyo on Dec. 2. | YOSHIAKI MIURA
European Union Ambassador Viorel Isticioaia-Budura, raises a glass during a year-end party at Europa House in Tokyo on Dec. 2. | YOSHIAKI MIURA

Tea ceremony school Chanoyu International Executive Director Takeya Yamasaki (second from left) presents The Japan Times President Takeharu Tsutsumi a ¥342,000 contribution for The Japan Times Readers' Fund at The Japan Times on Dec. 9. The money will be shared among overseas charities, including NPOs that help poor Cambodians and Filipinos secure better access to education. | YOSHIAKI MIURA
Tea ceremony school Chanoyu International Executive Director Takeya Yamasaki (second from left) presents The Japan Times President Takeharu Tsutsumi a ¥342,000 contribution for The Japan Times Reders' Fund at The Japan Times on Dec. 9. The money will be shared among overseas charities, including NPOs that help poor Cambodians and Filipinos secure better access to education. | YOSHIAKI MIURA