Ikebana International (I.I.) is a non-profit cultural organization dedicated to the promotion and appreciation of ikebana. Our  goal is to unite the people of the world through their mutual love of nature and enjoyment of ikebana. We have now spread to over 50 countries, with 138 chapters and a membership of 6,412 people. 80% of all members live outside of Japan so we are truely an international organization. The local Columbia, Chapter # 182 was chartered in  September, 1974 in Columbia, South Carolina and will celebrate its 52th Anniversary of "Friendship through Flowers".