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Dahlia Exhibition 2025: A Celebration of Beauty

Get ready to immerse yourself in the enchanting world of dahlias at the 2025 Dahlia Exhibition, taking place from October 3 to 5, 2025, at Sunshine City's Fountain Square in Ikebukuro, Tokyo. For three days, visitors will be treated to a breathtaking display that highlights the delicate beauty and variety of dahlias, showcasing the theme of Edo Romantic Blooms.

Event Highlights

This year marks the 15th edition of the exhibition, and participants can expect spectacular decorations inspired by renowned Japanese ukiyo-e artworks such as The Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji and Beauty Looking Back. Noteworthy features include beautiful dahlia carpets, providing perfect photo opportunities and an immersive experience.

Attendees can explore an impressive array of dahlias, appreciating their vibrant colors, different flower forms, and sizes. Additionally, there will be opportunities to purchase dahlia cut flowers and potted plants. Not to be missed are the informative and engaging talks by renowned floral educator Keisuke Kawasaki, who will guide guests through the fascinating history and cultural connections of dahlias.

The Origins of the Dahlia Exhibition

The inspiration behind the Dahlia Exhibition stems from the concept of mottainai, a Japanese term reflecting the regret of waste. Traditionally, dahlia flowers in Akita Prefecture would be discarded post-harvest while only the bulbs were preserved for the next growing season. In 2011, the exhibition was launched to give these vibrant flowers a new life, beautifying various scenes and encouraging environmental sustainability. This event serves to highlight the rich natural heritage of Akita Prefecture while sharing the joy of dahlias with a wider audience.

Overcoming the Summer Heat

This year, dahlias have triumphed over extreme heat, with temperatures soaring above 35°C during the summer. Originally native to the cool highlands of Mexico, dahlias are sensitive to high temperatures, which can stunt growth or lead to wilting. Thus, growers have employed various techniques to ensure the flowers thrive in such harsh conditions. The stunning dahlias displayed at the event are a testament to their care and cultivation, showcasing their resilience and splendor despite challenging weather.

Enjoying the Dahlia Experience

• - The Queen of Flowers: Dahlias are known for their grandeur, elegance, and variety. With over 1,000 species and more than 15 forms, they offer diverse appearances and sizes, captivating any observer. Historically, it is said that Empress Josephine of France fell in love with dahlias, which further emphasizes their distinguished reputation.
• - Vibrant Color Palette: Dahlias come in almost every color except for blue and green, with sizes ranging from small blooms of about 5 cm to magnificent flowers over 30 cm in diameter.

Exhibition Details

• - Dates: October 3 (Fri) - October 5 (Sun), 2025
• - Location: Sunshine City Fountain Square (Alpa B1)
• - Admission: Free
• - Organizer: The Japan Dahlia Association & Sunshine City
• - Co-Sponsor: Kimono Yamato
• - Supporters: Various local flower farms and educational institutions including the Akita International Dahlia Park and Yamamoto High School.

Special Events at the Exhibition

Stage Performances

Guests will enjoy a series of events featuring Keisuke Kawasaki's talk on the journey of dahlias to Japan — “How Dahlias Came to Japan: The Story Connecting Flowers and People.” The program will include quizzes, demonstrations, and performances by Dari-chan, a regional mascot from Fukushima Prefecture.

• - Dates and Times:

- Dahlia Arrangement Live: October 5 at 14:00
- Dari-chan Dance: October 3-5 at 12:00 and 17:00

Workshops and Activities

Participate in flower arrangement workshops, where visitors can learn to create their own dahlia masterpieces. Sign-up will be available on-site, and a modest fee will apply.

Take Home a Dahlia

On the opening day, the first 100 guests will receive free dahlia cut flowers, offering a lovely memento from the event.

Join us for a colorful celebration of dahlias at the 2025 Dahlia Exhibition, where nature’s beauty meets cultural artistry. It’s an opportunity you won’t want to miss!

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