When Denise, the visionary behind the Sarasota International Chalk Festival, announced that teams of infiorata artists would be joining this year's event, she shared a personal moment from 10 years ago. The photo she posted was taken in Genzano di Roma, where she stood on Via Italo Belardi, surrounded by magnificent flower carpets that filled the street with beauty and devotion. Little did she know, that moment would come full circle. A message from a gentleman she met last summer in Barcelona revealed that his team's flower carpet was featured in that very photo. And so, the invitation was extended to team Hanae Japan, led by the talented Yasuhiko Fujikawa, to bring their incredible artistry to Sarasota.
Denise and Yasuhiko had first crossed paths in Barcelona, where they were both invited to a cultural exchange through the International Coordinator of Ephemeral Art Carpet Makers Associations (CIDAE). Denise, representing her expertise in street art and festivals, and Yasuhiko, with his team’s mastery of flower carpet artistry, were there to share their visions. Their connection has since flourished, and now, thanks to this beautiful bond, Sarasota will have the honor of hosting Hanae Japan for the first time.
But this story goes beyond the art—it’s about the Sarasota community coming together to serve as ambassadors for this incredible team from Japan. On an early Saturday morning, while walking through the Sarasota Farmers Market, festival organizers shared the exciting news that the Chalk Festival, happening November 8-10, would bring hundreds of artists from around the world into the heart of downtown Sarasota. One local vendor, Izumi Haraki Gordon, immediately lit up with excitement.
Izumi, a proud Japanese-American and owner of Haraki Gordon Green Tea, was thrilled by the prospect of welcoming the team from Japan. Izumi, whose roots are in the Shizuoka region, offered to not only greet them with open arms but also reached out to her friends, Ritsuko and Mayumi (May), who are equally eager to show this visiting team everything that makes Sarasota special. They see it as their mission to serve as companions and interpreters, helping the team feel at home and navigate the city during their stay.
Team Hanae Japan consists of nine people in total, with Yasuhiko leading the charge in bringing their flower carpet artistry to life. The Chalk Festival is honored to host them, and it’s a beautiful reminder of the power of family, art, and cultural connection.
Hanae Japan’s flower carpet will depict a Kabuki actor, a "rewrite of the work of an Edo period ukiyo-e artist...Utagawa Kunisada" ... a tribute to the centuries-old theatrical tradition of Japan. Stretching 28 feet long and 22 feet wide, their artwork will be one of nine stunning flower carpets gracing South Pineapple Avenue in Sarasota’s Burns Square, where it will alternate with Madonnari chalk drawings, creating a vibrant, ephemeral art display.
Yasuhiko Fujikawa has dedicated his life to this unique form of artistic expression. He has created more than 1,500 flower carpets across 450 locations in Japan and around the world, touching the hearts of millions. His team’s work has been featured on national Japanese television, and he has even crafted pieces for VIPs, including the Pope during the World Flower Carpet Conference in the Vatican in 2014 and a special collaboration with Ed Sheeran for a new album released last May.
Now, as he brings his artistry to Sarasota, it is our community’s turn to give back by warmly embracing this talented team. With the help of local ambassadors like Izumi and her friends, we will ensure that Yasuhiko, his parents, and his team feel the true spirit of Sarasota hospitality.
This cultural exchange, woven with art, community, and connection, will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact—not only on our streets, but in the hearts of everyone involved. We can’t wait to welcome Hanae Japan and share this magical experience with them.
Do you want to be an ambassador to Flower Carpet or Madonnari Masters? Volunteer now!
Presales tickets available now at http://CHALK.love