Senko Ikenobo is Mitsui Ocean Fuji's godmother

Mitsui Ocean Fuji is scheduled to be officially named by Ikenobo Ikebana Headmaster Designate Senko Ikenobo Dec. 7 during Tokyo Bay festivities.

Prior to the ceremony, Mitsui Ocean Fuji will debut in Yokohama Dec. 1, embarking on a six-day inaugural cruise to Beppu, Busan and Shimonoseki. The 458-passenger all-suite ship, formerly Seabourn Odyssey, recently emerged from its transformation for Mitsui Ocean Cruises.

Senko Ikenobo

Senko Ikenobo’s appointment as headmaster designate of the Ikenobo school is a significant moment in the history of Japanese flower arranging (ikebana), as the first woman to succeed the headmastership of the Ikenobo family.

The Ikenobo school, founded by Ono no Imoko in the 15th century during Japan's Muromachi period (1336 - 1573), is recognized as the oldest and most influential ikebana school. Under Senko Ikenobo’s stewardship, the school is both preserving the traditional elements of ikebana and adapting to contemporary trends, ensuring that the art remains relevant in the modern world.

Harmony between humans and nature

The Ikenobo tradition of ikebana emphasizes a philosophy of creating harmony between humans and nature, and it has evolved over centuries, incorporating various schools of thought and techniques. The art form is not merely about arranging flowers but also cultivating mindfulness.

'Much like the delicate artistry of ikebana, which blends the natural beauty of flowers with the mindful arrangement of form and space, our ship symbolizes the fusion of nature, tradition and culture by offering beautiful encounters with Japan,' said Tsunemichi Mukai, president, Mitsui Ocean Cruises.

Nippon Maru, Mitsui Ocean Cruises' other ship, will be on hand when Mitsui Ocean Fuji is named alongside at Tokyo International Cruise Terminal.

Mitsui Ocean Fuji's inaugural season includes special New Year’s sailings and a 66-day 'Grand Asia' cruise.