Centuries-old Japanese art of ikebana attracts those seeking calm

Ikebana, the traditional Japanese art of flower arrangement, has been practised for more than 500 years and continues to attract both traditionalists and newcomers seeking creativity, mindfulness and a sense of calm.

Ikebana can resemble solving a puzzle, but unlike a conventional puzzle, it has no single correct solution. Since every flower and every person is different, there can be many ways to create an arrangement.

"There's a 'detox' purifying factor, and a healing," said Hiroyuki Okada, 40, who began studying ikebana about seven years ago and now teaches Ikenobo, the oldest of the three major ikebana schools.

Okada also teaches backflips to those interested. He normally wears silver chains and jeans, but puts on a formal kimono when demonstrating his flower arrangements.

He sees himself as representative of many people who are drawn to ikebana today — those searching for joy, purpose or relief from the pressures and difficulties of modern life.

"In arranging (flowers), you are dealing with the life that is there, the beauty, of course, but you find what's in your heart," Okada said. "You come face to face with yourself."

The Kyoto-based Ikenobo school has roots in Buddhism and now has chapters in various parts of the world.

Okada previously worked for a non-profit organisation, where he interacted with people from different countries and came to appreciate both their differences and similarities.

After moving to his current job at a flower shop, he decided to pursue an activity that would allow him to explore something distinctly Japanese and that he could continue doing on his own for many years.

Traditional Japanese art of ikebana.Photo: UNB/AP

Observing nature is part of ikebana
Ikebana involves an interaction with nature, although usually on a small scale, often centred around a small vase.

"It is about the relationship of the creator with the flowers," said Senko Ikenobo, the headmaster-designate of the Ikenobo school.

Her family has maintained a connection to the art for generations, dating back to its origins. Her father is the current headmaster.

Jeannette Haviland-Jones, a professor of social psychology at Rutgers University, said studies have found that flowers and even their scents can promote happiness.

"We suggested a coevolutionary theory for this in which flowers became the 'pets' of the plant world," she said.

For Okada, the experience involves more than a flower's appearance and fragrance. The texture of petals and leaves is also important, much like touching or petting a kitten or puppy.

Ikebana is open to everyone
Ikenobo attracts practitioners of all ages, from toddlers who imitate their mothers to dedicated students who are more than 100 years old.

The headmaster-designate said she has witnessed ikebana help women balancing jobs and motherhood as well as those caring for elderly parents.

Mayu Shimizu, who works for an online educational service and has studied with Okada for about three years, said ikebana has a healing effect similar to yoga, meditation or play.

"I like this moment of nothingness when you are concentrating on the flowers before you," she said. "My mind feels clearer. I feel more at peace, and gentle."

Flowers reflect stages of life
One traditional Ikenobo form is shoka shofutai, which seeks to arrange flowers, leaves and branches in a way that resembles their natural growth, such as reaching towards sunlight or bending in the wind.

The vase, which can be made of wood or pottery, also forms part of the overall concept of the arrangement.

The style is simple and restrained and reflects the life cycle of flowers, from blooming to withering, through three main elements:

Shin, the tallest element, is arranged first and represents one's core, reaching towards the sky.

Soe, trimmed to about two-thirds the height of shin and positioned to the side, represents the individuality of the flower. Its leaves may be slightly faded, symbolising later stages of life.

Tai, the third element, represents the future. A practitioner may select a new blossom or fresh small leaves to symbolise something being born.

There are also freer styles derived from traditional ikebana that resemble casual Western-style bouquets. Such arrangements can be more accessible and enjoyable for beginners.

Just as ikebana connects practitioners with flowers and nature, those who practise the art say it also connects people across generations through the continued passing down of the centuries-old tradition.