Hello everyone! Miyanaga from GP here.

Exciting spring events are lining up this year as well, but one from last year that particularly stood out to me was “HIBIYA BLOSSOM 2024,” at Tokyo Midtown Hibiya. This event combined art and flowers in a vibrant celebration of sustainability. One of the highlights was a massive flower installation made from recycled PET bottles—a truly unique and eco-friendly display!

Last year’s highlight: A massive flower art installation made from recycled PET bottles!

From March 20 to April 14 of 2024, Tokyo Midtown Hibiya hosted “HIBIYA BLOSSOM 2024”, an event that brought together the trio of art, flowers, and sustainability.

The centerpiece of this event, “Blossom Garden – Botanical Sculpture,” was a stunning installation featuring artificial flowers made from recycled PET bottles. These eco-conscious flowers were crafted with a lifelike texture, elevating them into a breathtaking art form. Stepping inside this dome-like sculpture, visitors could enjoy a fully immersive experience, surrounded by a kaleidoscope of flowers.

Around the installation, benches and artworks integrating both real and artificial flowers were displayed. In addition, the event included “Floral Gift,” a special initiative where some of the fresh flowers used in the installation were repurposed into small bouquets and given away to visitors. This event offered a chance to appreciate sustainability in a tangible and beautiful way.

What there was to enjoy at HIBIYA BLOSSOM 2024

Here’s a quick overview of the key highlights that were at “HIBIYA BLOSSOM 2024”!

① The main attraction: A 4-meter-tall “flower dome”

At the heart of the “Blossom Garden – Botanical Sculpture” was the “Flower Dome”, a massive installation that stood four meters high and nine meters wide (That would be roughly 13 feet high and 30 feet wide). Composed of about 70% recycled PET bottle artificial flowers, this sustainable masterpiece created a one-of-a-kind floral landscape that defied natural plant groupings.

Stepping inside this grand dome, visitors were transported into a vivid, spring-infused world, surrounded by a colorful array of flowers. This immersive experience allowed guests to feel as if they had stepped into a work of art. As night fell, the dome would be illuminated, transforming the installation into an enchanting nighttime attraction that enhanced the beauty of Hibiya’s evening scenery.

② Ultra-SDG artificial flowers

Did you know that Japan recycles 86.9% of its PET bottles, making it a global leader in PET bottle recycling?

Photo: Courtesy of the press release

The artificial flowers used in this installation were made of about 70% recycled PET bottles, with each individual flower incorporating approximately 50 recycled bottles. These artificial blooms retained the realistic shape and vibrancy of natural flowers, all while being completely reusable, making them an ideal sustainable floral solution that has since gained international attention.

③ Some of the fresh flowers used were given away to visitors for free

Beyond the stunning art displays, visitors could take home a part of the event through the “Floral Gift” initiative. On select days, which started from March 29, fresh flowers used in the event were upcycled into small bouquets and distributed to visitors.

This initiative ensured that the flowers were cherished to the very end, promoting an eco-conscious approach to floral art and minimizing flower waste. It was a wonderful way to celebrate the beauty of flowers, while supporting sustainability.

④ Limited-time spring menus that celebrated the season

Alongside the event, exclusive spring-themed gourmet delights had also made an appearance. It was a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of sustainable floral art, while indulging in delicious seasonal treats. Below were two must-try selections:

Hayashiya Shinbei’s sakura Mont Blanc

A delicate homemade sakura Mont Blanc cream paired with matcha and domyoji rice, creating a visually stunning and flavorful spring dessert. The subtle cherry blossom aroma, matcha richness, and vibrant pink-and-green color palette made it a perfect seasonal treat.

Photo: Courtesy of the press release

Ichikaku’s sakura float cocktail

A refreshing cocktail that featured sakura syrup, an ice cream float, and salted cherry blossoms, blending floral and sweet flavors into a beautifully crafted drink.

Photo: Courtesy of the press release

Conclusion

Spring is just around the corner! As we anticipate warmer days, perhaps there will be even more events like HIBIYA BLOSSOM 2024 all across the globe. SDG-conscious events like HIBIYA BLOSSOM 2024 not only offer a refreshing experience, but also inspire a more sustainable lifestyle, truly befitting of spring. Now then, readers, see you next time!

HIBIYA BLOSSOM 2024