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Ikebana Newsletter Melbourne

June 2026

 

1. Events Calendar

 

2. Class Dates – Term 2, 2026 (Certificate Courses)

Note - New dates

Fee: $200 for 8 sessions
Enrolment: New students are welcome at any time.

Wednesday Class (1:00–2:30 pm)
3, 10, 17, 24 June
15, 22, 29 July
5 August

Wednesday Class (7:00–8:30 pm)
3, 10, 17, 24 June
15, 22, 29 July
5 August

Saturday Class (10:00–11:30 am)

23, 30 May
6, 13, 20 June
18, 25 July
1 August

Please note: Class dates may be subject to change. Join our mailing list for updates.


3. Ikebana Introductory Class

A one-hour, all-inclusive ikebana workshop designed for beginners.

Bring your friends or family and experience the beauty of Japanese floral art together.

Fee: $60 per person
Venues: Murrumbeena or North Balwyn


4. Online Ikebana Lessons – Enrol Now

Monthly Ikebana Challenge

Join our facilitator each month on Zoom and receive personalised feedback on your ikebana creations.

Ikebana Aesthetics Program

Learn the 4 Ikebana Principles and 4 Ikebana Elements over one year (24 sessions).
New term begins May 2026.

1000 Ikebana Challenge

Create one ikebana work per day for 1000 days.
Newly revised conditions designed to foster genuine, personal transformation.

 

5. New Bank Account Details

Account Name: Tsubo Melbourne Pty Ltd
BSB: 033070
Account Number: 527917

 

6. Ikebana in Schools

Shoso and his associates have launched a project to promote ikebana to Australian students.
More information: http://bit.ly/Ikebana-School

 

7. Ikebana for Your Shop or Office?

Introductory Offer – 50% Off

Elevate your shop or office ambience with fresh ikebana arrangements.
Shoso and his skilled team create bespoke floral works tailored to your space.


8. Looking for an Ikebana Class Near You?

Visit the directory:
https://www.ikebanafestival.com/directory

 

9. Hanadayori: Online Exhibition, Photo Book & Perfumes

Hanadayori is a signature online event of the Melbourne Ikebana Festival.

Latest updates:
https://www.ikebanafestival.com/hanadayori-2025/hanadayori-2025-updates-10-october-2025

Previous editions:

  • Hanadayori 2023
  • Hanadayori 2021


10. Recent Publications

Shoso’s Latest Publication

Shimbo, S. (2026). Environmental Art: Ikebana Meets Contemporary Art. In L.A. Joubert (Ed.), Craft—Tradition and Invention, Vol. 40. Springer, Singapore.
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-95-0485-5_19

Additional Publications

2025a. (with K. Thode, A. Lo, S. Healey, B. Walker & C. While)
The mindfulness potential of ikebana: A study on senior well-being.
International Journal of Ikebana Studies, 12, 1–30.

2025b.
Ikebana as the Way of Flowers (Translation).
International Journal of Ikebana Studies, 12, 61–64.

2024a.
The Way of Ikebana (Translation), from “Hana ni ikiru hitotachi e” (1967) by Suido Yamane.
International Journal of Ikebana Studies, 11, 31–34.

 

11. Shoso Featured in the Media

 

12. Wa: Melbourne Ikebana Festival

29–30 August 2026

Abbotsford Convent

Join our exhibition. The festival presents ikebana not only as a traditional Japanese art form, but also as environmental art, a contemplative practice, and a contemporary creative expression—opening new pathways for engagement in modern society.

All the tickets will be on sale shortly.
 

News Highlights

1. International Guests
The Melbourne Ikebana Festival is honoured to present Dr Hamasaki and Professor Niikawa — internationally acclaimed researchers and pioneering leaders in the field of Ikebana Therapy.

At the Melbourne Ikebana Festival 2026, they will personally lead the Ikebana Therapy Guide Certification Training Course. This special occasion marks the first time this prestigious certification has ever been offered outside Japan.

This exceptional opportunity is not to be missed. The application is now open.

 

2. Special Performance
Shoso Shimbo presents a captivating ikebana performance in collaboration with Jessica Aszodi.


3. The team from the Melbourne Ikebana Festival achieved outstanding success at the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show (MIFGS 2026). Director Shoan Lo was awarded first place, while CEO Shoso Shimbo secured second place in the Botanical Moments division—one of the most prestigious categories in the show’s floral art competition. About Shoso's Work: https://www.shoso.com.au/2026/03/shoso-at-mifgs-2026.html


4. Volunteers Wanted
Join our creative team! We welcome not only ikebana practitioners, but also those interested in Japanese culture, event management, or marketing.
 

Dr Shoso Shimbo
0439 314 097
Murrumbeena, Melbourne

shososhimbo@gmail.com
www.shoso.com.au
Facebook: ikebanaaustralia
Instagram: @shoso_shimbo

 

 

 

 

 

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