A fine display

Just about all the Japanese forms of chrysanthemum culture were there. Chrysanthemum dolls in their dozens, scenic displays, cascades, multi-bloom specimens (including three-on-one grafts), bonsai, Fukusuke and Daruma, and, what I had specially gone to see, the true ‘thousand bloom’ plants. The largest of these (and there were about six altogether) was stated to have 2,075 blooms. It was over two metres high and just on four metres in diameter. I understand that it takes two seasons to grow one of these and, in the first season, the plants are placed in a controlled environment at the end of the first summer whereby the summer season is artificially created and maintained until the ‘natural’ spring arrives again.

Thousand Bloom Plant

Another special feature of this show was four very colourful chrysanthemum archways. Each was a creation of a steel frame about two feet deep which was covered with wire netting. ‘Doors’ were set in the box-like ‘cage’ and through these openings 10" pots of cascade type plants were placed at various levels – some upright, some at angles. The placement enabled a continuous ‘band’ of the same colour right over the arch.

It was also at this show that I experienced communication in perhaps its purest form. Although it looked alright to me, there must have been something amiss with one of the chrysanthemum dolls – remember these dolls are life size. Two young Japanese girls were carrying it away horizontally, one holding the top and the other holding the base. I walked up to them, blocking their way, clutched my chest and said "DEAD". Nodding of heads and a bit of giggling let me know that they understood.

Much as I would have liked to spend more time at this (the best) show, I had to bring my enjoyment to a close. As it was raining, and using my ‘questions’ once again, I hopped into a taxi for the journey back to Nihonmatsu Station. Local train again, of course, to Fukashima where I fetched my suitcase from the hotel. I arrived at the station platform just as the Bullet Train was approaching. Like the last show, the best was coming at the end. This Bullet Train was the sleekest of them all. It was to take me back to Tokyo where I was to change for the Narita Express to the airport.

Once more, one very helpful person. At Tokyo Station, there was an information bureau and (again) a Japanese lady, who spoke fluent English (and French, so she told me) told me all I needed to know. She even rang the hotel where I was staying in Narita-city to check on my booking. Would you believe, at my last stopover, they didn’t have one. Well, this nice lady soon sorted that out. Not only did she get a booking for me, she got them to reduce the tariff.

Despite all we might hear, Japan is not that expensive. Hotel tariffs were reasonable, train, bus and taxis on about par with Australia. Good thing I didn’t have an uncontrollable fancy for rock melons, though – they were the equivalent of Aus$60.00.

© 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