In Japanese culture, more is less. Everything is made more dramatic by the sparing use of color and close attention to texture and positioning. Everything is also sacred in the Japanese world; they do not just go out and do anything without it having a meaning of symbolizing an event. Japanese culture is very much a culture of deep reflection and careful placement, measure twice, cut once is more like, measure thrice, cut once.

Ikebana is a Japanese art of flower arrangement; also known as kado- he way of flowers. I learned about this art form while I was a college junior at Saint Louis University, Baguio City, Philippines. I was so much enthralled by the beauty of the flower arrangement displayed in one of the display windows of a flower studio close to the university. The studio was owned by an elderly woman who was married to a Japanese businessman. They owned a flower and antique shop specializing in Japanese potteries, prints, and other relics while selling potted bonsai and Ikebana flower arrangements. Their store was frequented by the affluent locals and their flower arrangements graced the lobbies of some of the popular hotels and restaurants in the city. My curiosity led me to go inside and investigate further. The old lady was nice enough to let me in and answered a lot of my questions. Since then, for two months after my chemistry class, I would go to her shop and watched her as she arranged flowers for customers. I particularly enjoyed learning the Ikebana flower arrangement from her. She allowed me to help her create the arrangements as I learned the art. She then presented me with a beautiful Ikebana which I gave to my paternal grandmother for her 80th birthday.

Japanese flower arranging can really add a delicate and finishing touch to any home. More and more people are turning towards this art and it is not hard to see why when the flowers also symbolize the earth, mankind and heaven. People find it easy to relax and fall into deep thought when they are surrounded by significant and beautiful objects and Japanese flower arranging really helps them to do that.

All about Japanese Flower Arranging

Unlike other flower arranging in which flowers are literally shoved together dead in bunches, Japanese flower arranging has a whole new meaning. It focuses on the flowers whilst they are still alive and the vases are also a unique centerpiece to store them in.