Judging was in progress when we arrived at about 9.30 am and it was evident that a large attendance was expected. Even at that somewhat early hour there were a number of white-gloved traffic directors (good industry to be in, in Japan – making white gloves for the police, train drivers, bus drivers, taxi drivers and any one else that wears a uniform) guiding buses and cars to parking spots. The Yurix Hall is huge. As well as exhibitions, it also accommodates stage productions. Above the main floor there is tiered seating on three sides. While waiting for judging to finish we had plenty to see. The main foyer was a flower show on its own and in another area there were about twenty trade stands selling pots, plastic ‘canes’ (that are spring-loaded and grow with the plant) and clips, fertilisers and books. Books! There is no shortage of books on chrysanthemum culture in Japan. There must have been over fifty titles. Looking at all of this brought us up to time for lunch in the café in the hall. We were then advised that only the Champions were left to be judged and that we could enter the hall. What we saw was truly amazing. Table after table containing, in all, approximately 5,000 blooms. Then there was pot upon pot of Fukusuke and Daruma plus a hundred or more Bonsai specimens. Except for one table of some very familiar looking Anemone and Pompon types, the cut bloom exhibits were only of four types. What chrysanthemum enthusiasts know as Intermediate ‘Decs’ (but their’s were huge), Spiders, what is known as the ‘fist’ type and the ‘Emperor's’ or ‘Imperial’ Single which consists of a single row of petals on a bloom of about 20 cms. And no mixed classes in the schedule. Each class was for one bloom of one cultivar (named variety). There was one class for a particular yellow Inter-mediate (no, I didn’t get its name) that attracted 52 entries. And all get prizes. All the Champions are placed on a long table in front of the stage and the Champion of Champions is selected. Behind the Champions, and on the stage, was a huge display of potted plants including every thing that was on the tables plus cascades, towers, and multi-bloom plants in various shapes. The overseas visitors were given the ’grand tour’ and the general public was invited in. I have never seen so many people attend a chrysanthemum show. They were there in thousands. And after they had a look around they then filled the upstairs gallery to wait for the official opening and awards presentation. Following the presentation of prizes there was more looking at the show (and the taking of photographs – reel after reel) and more chin-wagging. But then it was time to say goodbye. I needed to be ready for an early start the next day when I would be spending most the day travelling. © 2000 Bruce Skeen/Paul Barlow Follow Bruce on his travels by choosing each day in turn: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 If you would like further information or wish to comment on this publication please send your e-mail to: paul.barlow@chrysanthemums.info
Last updated on 22 December, 2001 |
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