Naoko gave a lecture for the International Dendrology Society (IDS) on 25 February 2026 at the Royal Society of Chemistry in London. It was the Society’s Winter Lecture which is a once-a-year event where they invite a speaker. About 80 people attended from all over the UK and another 80 people watched the lecture online in the UK and abroad.
Naoko talked about ‘Cherry’ Ingram and his legacy, how he ‘saved’ some important varieties of cherry blossoms from extinction, the history of cherry blossoms in Japan and their symbolism. She also talked about her latest book, ‘ The Martyr and the Red Kimono’, in which cherry blossoms play a significant role as a messenger of ‘Peace’.
The IDS is a prestigious society with 1,600 members from 50 countries. It was created by the renowned Belgian dendrologists, Mr Robert and Mr Georges de Belder. The society’s aims are to promote the study and enjoyment of trees and other woody plants, to bring together dendrologists from all round the world, and to protect and conserve rare and endangered plant species worldwide. ‘Cherry’ Ingram was a member.
There was high interest amongst members in the lecture and Naoko sold out of both books.
