Rose lovers rejoice — the "International Rose and Gardening Show" (organized by a committee including The Mainichi Newspapers; official site "http://www.bara21.jp/index.html") opened at Seibu Dome in Tokorozawa, Saitama. Through the 16th (Thu.) — hurry if you have not been!
A domestic mega-event introducing world roses and beautiful gardening
has become a seasonal fixture. A friend who flew in on the morning of the 11th emailed with the left photo: "Crowds keep entering — everyone's face is excited, like they'd waited all year for this day..." The buzz comes through.
This year's 15th edition theme: "15 Years of Roses in Love." The "Long Long Rose Avenue" corridor of proud blooms by enthusiasts and experts stretches a record about
100 meters of trending roses. A friend's favorite: the entry titled "Awakening from a 100-Year Sleep" = photo upper right. The exhibitor linked "Sleeping Beauty" to the love-rose theme — "A castle surrounded by roses, shield and sword, a prince's blue cape cast aside...... so dramatic," they said. Rose fans kept stopping to photograph many works.
More fun this year. "Turkey — Home of Roses: Turkish Rose Garden" debuts the new variety "Ertugrul" to the world, charming visitors today = opening photo. A deep pink rose bred by a Japanese hybridizer imagining Turkish-origin stock — vivid in one word. Named for the Ottoman warship symbolizing Japan–Turkey friendship after survivors were rescued off Kushimoto, Wakayama, in 1890 (Meiji 23) on a goodwill visit home — by Mrs. Sinem Kılıç, wife of Ambassador Serdar Kılıç.
Also recreated: American picture-book artist Tasha Tudor's garden and part of Britain's "Tintinhull Garden" loved by Audrey Hepburn. Rose judging, seedlings, gardening goods, floral-motif goods, cultivation advice — packed with offerings.
Hours 9:30–17:30. Adults and junior high 2,000 yen; elementary and below free.