Many tourists flocked to Tokyo and other cities after the COVID-19 pandemic. Positive feedback from people in Western and Asian countries has been widely shared in Japanese media. Despite the lack of direct economic impact on the flower industry, little do we know how fortunate we are to live in such a beautiful island country as ours.

Flowers are used in various situations. One significant consumption is their dedication to Buddha. Japanese people value the tradition of honoring their ancestors. Buddhist household altars are placed in homes, and incense is burned daily with specially prepared flowers for the altar.

Japanese people also visit graves on equinox days in spring and fall, as well as on All Souls Day (Obon in July and August) and the end of the year. These practices have promoted the use of flowers in Japan over the decades.

The Buddhist altar instills a sense of appreciation for flowers in people. However, this tradition is no longer as prevalent among the younger generation and in smaller households due to changing values and living arrangements. On the other hand, flowers are now used to decorate kitchens and living rooms.

To encourage the widespread use of flowers and plants in everyday life, we need to focus on flower design, as well as preserving their freshness and ensuring reasonable prices.

Florists can leverage their creativity to attract consumers and broaden the market for flowers. Flore21 aims to contribute to this mission by offering innovative designs that align with the eco-conscious environment.

Floral design has endless possibilities. Using the colors and shapes of flowers, along with their seasonal variations, can create a positive impression on consumers, leading to increased flower consumption.

There are many challenges ahead, but we are committed to working together to overcome them. Flore21 looks forward to embracing new opportunities in the year 2025.