Bishop and Mrs. Henjyoji cultivated a vital community of Saga Goryu Ikebana practitioners on the west coast and planted seeds across North America. In 1960 Bishop Henjyoji brought 13 Master Teachers from Japan to the US, and took them on tour, sharing Saga Goryu Ikebana with new audiences. 

After 1961, when Bishop Henjyoji became head of Jobodai-in temple at Koyasan, Japan, he divided his time between duties at Koyasan and the Portland temple. Rev. Wako Henjyoji remained in Portland at the temple and continued to teach Japanese cultural arts. In 1974, the school was designated Saga Goryu North America Branch by Daikakuji Temple. After the Bishop’s death in 2006, Rev. Wako Henjyoji continued as the leader of the North America Branch until 2011, when she designated David Komeiji (current Chapter Director) as her successor.

We have faced difficulties, yet never once has our chapter suspended operations. During the COVID pandemic quarantine, we continued to attend classes using Zoom, small group "pods," and materials at hand to maintain our practice and our sense of community. 

As our elders retire, it is vital we work to preserve the foundation they have laid. Cultivating relationships with Japan is a two-way exchange. We are active in our efforts to weave strong threads back and forth between the US and Japan. As students and teachers, we travel to Japan for ikebana workshops and exhibitions, as well as inviting our teachers to Portland. 

Today's online world brings both opportunity and challenge to our practice. Ikebana is an endangered art form, requiring patience that our tech-dominated lives do not encourage. We believe a hands on experience with nature can be a vital tool for connection—and reconnection—in the digital era. We also value the positive role technology can play in weaving connections to our past, keeping our history alive, and sharing our practice into the future.