Ikebana arranged as to express peace. All gifts of flowers must be in bud, so that the person to whom they are sent may have the pleasure of seeing them openquite a contrast to the present Western idea of everything being forced to perfection before leaving the florist. The spiritual aspect of "kadō" is considered very important to its practitioners. Some practitioners feel silence is needed while making "ikebana" while others feel this is not necessary. It is a time to appreciate things in nature that people often overlook because of their busy lives. It is believed that one becomes more
Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre and proposed a Japanese garden for the town. The Japanese government agreed to support this development as a sign of thanks for the respectful treatment of their war dead; the development also received money from the Australian government and private entities. The Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre opened in 1979, and the second stage opened in 1986. An annual "Sakura Matsuri" (cherry blossom festival) is held in the gardens during September and celebrates the birth of spring. The garden hosts Girl's Day and Boy's Day festivals, tea ceremonies, demonstrations and workshops on Japanese crafts including calligraphy, origami and Ikebana,