This year marks the 49th annual Cherry Blossom Charity Ball sponsored by the international Ladies Benevolent Society. A major fundraising event for charitable causes, the ball is also a starred occasion on Tokyo's international social calendar.
Each year a prominent lady, usually an ambassadress, is asked to accept the chair of the ball committee. Her acceptance propels her into an active commitment lasting a full 12 months. Since 1954, 25 countries in turn have provided the chairwoman, 11 of them more than once. This year is the first time for Egypt to undertake the organizing leadership role for the ball. Yasmina Karem, wife of the ambassador of Egypt to Japan, will see the culmination of her work at the evening's events April 19.
Although the ball each year keeps its own character, the chairwoman has the delight of giving it touches of her own country. "We have specially designed, beautiful costumes for the young attendants. The decorations will suggest Egypt. And we shall have a typical Egyptian menu. We shall also have a corner for Egyptian coffee, water pipes and cigars," she said.