Melbourne Ikebana Festival, 29 and 30 August 2026ikebanafestival.com
Longing for AutumnShoso Shimbo's Solo Exhibition, Distilling Nature, Monash University, February 2013
Christmas Installation for the City of Ballarat, 2013An official servay found that Shoso's magical tunnel was the most popular among the people in the city.
BouquetsShoso's floral works are a special addition to your wedding or other special events.
Bridal BouquetsShoso specialises in fully wired bridal bouquets.

Saturday, 18 October 2025

Ikebana Display Introductory Offer

By 17:56

Sample: Medium Size Display - $200 


Ikebana Display Introductory Offer

Bring the art of Japanese floral design into your space – Experience 2 weeks of handcrafted Ikebana for only $100. No commitment. Just beauty.


🏷️ Offer Details

Standard Price: $150 per Ikebana display (small size)
Introductory Offer: $100 for 2 displays (1 display delivered each week for 2 weeks)

  • No commitment required after the 2-week trial
  • Clients can choose to continue with a weekly display subscription starting at regular price
  • Ideal for reception areas, office lobbies, restaurants, boutiques, and private homes


Ikebana Flower Display in Melbourne (Special Occasions or Weekly Display) 
by Shoso Shimbo & His Team


Sunday, 12 October 2025

Friday, 22 August 2025

Sunday, 11 May 2025

New Publication

By 18:43


Shimbo, S. (with Karen Thode, Angeline Lo, Sue Healey, Bridget Walker & Christine While) (2025a). The mindfulness potential of ikebana: A study on senior well-being, International Journal of Ikebana Studies, 12, 1-30. DOIhttps://doi.org/10.57290/ikebana.12.0_1

Shimbo, S. (2025b). Ikebana as the way of flowers (Translation), a chapter from “Hana ni ikiru hitotachi e” (1967) by Suido Yamane. International Journal of Ikebana Studies, 12, 61-64. https://doi.org/10.57290/ikebana.12.0_61 

Shimbo, S. (2024a). The Way of Ikebana (Translation), a chapter from “Hana ni ikiru hitotachi e” (1967) by Suido Yamane. International Journal of Ikebana Studies, 11, 31-34. https://doi.org/10.57290/ikebana.11.0_31


https://www.shoso.com.au 

Tuesday, 8 April 2025

Mother’s Day Ikebana: 10 & 11 May 2025

By 10:06

Celebrate Mother’s Day with Ikebana!
A Unique Floral Experience in Melbourne 🌸

Treat your mother (and yourself!) to a 90-minute Ikebana flower arranging class, perfect for beginners. Immerse yourself in the elegant Japanese art of floral design with expert guidance from Shoso Shimbo.

You’ll receive a brief introduction to Ikebana and learn the basics to kickstart your journey. Create your own arrangement to take home—along with new knowledge, skills, and beautiful memories.

After the class, enjoy Japanese tea in Shoso’s stunning Japanese garden, as featured on ABC’s Gardening Australia (8 Sept 2023). The garden was also selected as one of the top 10 gardens in Glen Eira City.

When : Only 2 dates.
3 - 4:30pm, Saturday 10 May 2025 or
10 - 11:30am, Sunday 11 May 2025
Where : Murrumbeena, Melbourne.
Fee : $145 per person ($290 for 2 people).
Booking : Send an email to shososhimbo@gmail.com 

What’s Included:

  • Expert guidance from Shoso

  • Fascinating insights into Ikebana's history

  • All materials provided

  • Your finished Ikebana arrangement to take home

What to Bring:
Just yourself—everything else is provided.

No experience needed! 

Please Note:

  • The studio is located upstairs—let us know if you have any mobility concerns.

  • Please inform us in advance of any pet allergies.

  • Cancellation - Full refund available up to 48 hours prior to the session. 

Join us for a peaceful, creative, and memorable Mother’s Day celebration! 



https://www.shoso.com.au 

Wednesday, 26 March 2025

Shoso Shimbo @ Melbourne Flower Show

By 23:08

 


Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show, 26 - 30 March 2025

Ikebana is not merely about creating designs—it is an invitation to meditate on the invisible energy of life.
Each Ikebana work is a metaphor for the essence of nature.
In this piece, I sought to capture Monet’s magical use of color, applying it to organic materials to create a sculptural form that feels alive.
The Wa Melbourne Ikebana Festival aims to deepen the understanding of Ikebana, highlighting its potential as both a therapeutic and environmental art form.
Our next festival will be held at Abbotsford Convent on 29 & 30 August 2026.
Shoso Shimbo, PhD
CEO, Wa Melbourne Ikebana Festival

Sunday, 16 March 2025

Hiroe Swen 2025 - Ikebana by Shoso Shimbo

By 16:46

This video features renowned ceramic artist Hiroe Swen reflecting on her long and distinguished career as a ceramic artist in Canberra, Australia. She shares insights into her artistic journey and creative philosophy. https://hiroeswenceramicart.org/ The Art of Hiroe Swen – Final Exhibition Dates: March 29 – April 5, 2025 Location: Malvern Artists’ Society Gallery, 1297 High Street, Malvern, Victoria Gallery Hours: Open daily from 11:00 AM to 5:30 PM Additional Information: Online Exhibition Catalogue: Available from March 19 until the end of April 2025 More Details: Skepsi Gallery – https://www.skepsigallery.com.au/2025 Additionally, the video showcases Ikebana works by Shoso Shimbo, incorporating Hiroe Swen’s ceramic pieces. Shoso is planning to publish a photo book featuring Ikebana arrangements inspired by Hiroe’s artworks in the near future. https://www.shoso.com.au

Tuesday, 11 February 2025

New Workshops: Mindfulness & Productivity through Ikebana

By 23:38

Workshops On Mindfulness & Productivity Through Ikebana

Transform workplace well-being with a unique corporate workshop

In today’s fast-paced workplace, stress, burnout, and lack of focus can impact productivity and morale. Ikebana—the Japanese art of mindful flower arrangement—offers a refreshing, hands-on approach to stress reduction, creativity, and teamwork.

Why Your Team Will Love It:
- Reduce stress & recharge – A calming break from screens & deadlines
- Boost focus & creativity – Encourages mindfulness for better work
- Strengthen teamwork – A collaborative, engaging experience
- Take home a stunning flower arrangement – A meaningful, lasting reminder

Workshop Options:
Option 1: 2-Hour Session ($160 per person)
  - Learn the concept of Dakka (simplification) – finding beauty in minimalism
  - Create an Ikebana arrangement using 1 flower & 1 leaf
  - Develop mindfulness techniques to improve focus & reduce stress

Option 2: 3-Hour Session ($260 per person)
  - Includes everything from Option 1
  - Plus, a team collaboration exercise – work together to create a larger Ikebana piece, strengthening non-verbal communication & teamwork

Location: On-site at your office or at our Murrumbeena studio
Group Size: Min. 10 participants | Max. 24 participants (in our studio)
All materials provided—just bring your team!

https://www.shoso.com.au 

Tuesday, 19 November 2024

Enrol Now - New Ikebana Courses Starting January 2025

By 12:16 ,

A. One Hour Introduction Workshop

One hour all inclusive ikebana workshop for beginners. You don't need to bring anything to class, and you will go home with a small ikebana arrangement.

This class also provides a guidance on how to start your ikebana journey. After this workshop, you are welcome to join our ikebana certificate course. Make this healing art part of your life and find a way to live harmoniously with the natural environment.

B. Certificate Courses / Teaching Diploma Courses

Join our certificate course after you complete our introduction workshop.  

C. Ikebana Aesthetics Program - Online Course 

This program is ideal for beginners who would like to learn the essence of ikebana efficiently. Also this program can be a great supplement for those who are studying ikebana now or for those who would like to teach ikebana effectively.  
 
Duration: 1 year (24 sessions)
Contents: Level One (4 ikebana principles & 4 ikebana elements) to Level Three (Beyond design principles)

D. Monthly Ikebana Challenge - Online Program

Join our facilitator monthly on Zoom for personalized feedback on your ikebana creations. No long term commitment required. You can book and attend any single session. If you wish to join again, simply book another session.

E. 1000 Ikebana Challenge - Online Program

This is an advanced ikebana training program that encourages you to make an ikebana work a day for over 1000 days. It is basically a self regulated program with a little support from Ikebana Dojo. Participants are required to attend Monthly Ikebana Challenge at least 4 times a year. To receive your certificate additional tasks are required. 

https://www.shoso.com.au 






Tuesday, 12 November 2024

Hanadayori 2025 - Send your request!

By 16:43

What kind of Ikebana would you like to see?

We invite you to share your unique ideas with us. Ikebana masters and practitioners from around the world will create special arrangements inspired by your requests, showcased in our upcoming online exhibition and the Hanadayori 2025 photo book.

Hanadayori, meaning “the flowers you’ve been waiting for have bloomed,” gives you a chance to see a personal Ikebana arrangement inspired by your vision. These connections through flowers bring joy and healing across distances.

Submit your creative and bold ideas using the request form on this page by 31 March 2025. Please also share this opportunity with your friends! We can’t wait to see what inspires you!

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

今、見たいのはどんな生け花ですか？

メルボルン生け花フェスティバルでは、2025年度もオンラインイベント「花だより」を開催することになりました。

「花だより」は、皆さまのご希望に沿った特別な生け花作品をご覧いただける機会です。世界中の生け花実践者が、皆さまのリクエストにインスパイアされた個別の作品を制作し、それをオンライン華展およびフォトブック「花だより2025」にてご紹介いたします。花を通じたこのつながりが、遠い距離を超えて特別な喜びと癒しをもたらすことでしょう。

リンク先のリクエストフォームを使って、2025年3月31日までに皆さまのクリエイティブで大胆なアイデアをお寄せください。また、お友達、お知り合いの方々にもぜひこの機会をご案内ください。
どのようなリクエストが届くのか、私たちも楽しみにしています！

https://www.shoso.com.au 

Monday, 28 October 2024

Yering Station Sculpture Exhibition 2024

By 20:51


Yarra Valley Arts/Yering Station Sculpture Exhibition and Awards 2024
Shoso's installation was selected as a finalist for the award. 
Sunday 27 October  - Sunday 8 December
Yering Station, 38 Melba Hwy, Yarra Glen  

Listening with the Heart's Ear, Shoso Shimbo
Artist Statement: While some sculptors see nature merely as a source of materials, I believe in a more interactive and symbiotic approach. Rather than objectifying nature, I seek to engage with and assimilate its essence into my work. This perspective not only respects nature but also inspires playful and nuanced artworks.

https://www.shoso.com.au 

Thursday, 29 August 2024

Melbourne Ikebana Festival 2024

By 08:59

Ikebana Newsletter Melbourne 

September 2023 

Ikebana Festival Special Edition


----------------------------- 

1. Events Calendar

-----------------------------    

30 August 2024: Booking closes for Ikebana Dinner Show by Oshun Tsukagoshi. Oshun brings 22 Ikebana artists from Japan for the Wa Melbourne Ikebana Festival 2024. 


5 - 8 September 2024: Wa Melbourne Ikebana Festival. 


7 September 2024: Hanadayori Night: Ikebana Performance by Shoso Shimbo Accompanied by Slava Grigoryan (guitar), Melbourne Recital Centre. 


—————————————————————————————

2. Wa: Melbourne Ikebana Festival - International Ikebana Event

—————————————————————————————

Book Tickets


Some of the Event Highlights:


Free Events & Other Highlights 


Expanding the joy of ikebana to a wider audience! Save the dates for the Wa Melbourne Ikebana Festival on 7 & 8 September 2024, featuring an increased number of exhibitors and special events. 


Our goal is to generate greater interest in ikebana, enabling our new teachers to thrive in their roles as both working artists and instructors. Join us in cultivating a flourishing community of ikebana enthusiasts! 


Please help promote this event. Thank you. 


https://www.ikebanafestival.com

https://www.facebook.com/wa.ikebana

https://www.instagram.com/wa.ikebana/


*Oshun Tsukagoshi: Oshun is the headmaster of Ikebana Shofu, a distinguished school renowned for its innovative approach to ikebana. Having immersed himself in the art from a young age under the guidance of the former headmaster, Oshun's journey led him to further refine his skills at a prestigious flower school in England after graduating from college. His distinctive style seamlessly blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with Western influences.


In 2013, Oshun achieved acclaim by winning the prestigious Hanaike Battle National Championship, marking a significant milestone in his career. He has since showcased his mastery through captivating flower performances across diverse global stages including Hong Kong, China, France, and Holland, captivating audiences with his unique interpretations of ikebana.


Oshun Tsukagoshi is slated to appear as a special guest at the Wa Melbourne Ikebana Festival 2024, where attendees can experience firsthand his artistic vision and profound contributions to the world of ikebana.


Dr Shoso Shimbo

0439 314 097

shososhimbo@gmail.com

www.shoso.com.au

Murrumbeena Melbourne


Wa: Melbourne Ikebana Festival

Ikebana Gallery Award

Zoom Ikebana Dojo

Tsubo Zen Gardens


https://www.shoso.com.au 
https://www.facebook.com/ikebanaaustralia

Tuesday, 25 June 2024

Thursday, 13 June 2024

New Publication: The Way of Ikebana

By 23:30 ,


After delving into extensive literature on Ikebana, I believe that this text stands out as one of the most significant and profound works on Ikebana philosophy in contemporary times. It promises to unravel numerous confusions and misunderstandings surrounding Ikebana, offering invaluable insights into its essence. Shoso Shimbo, PhD.

2024a. The Way of Ikebana (Translation), a chapter from “Hana ni ikiru hitotachi e” (1967) by Suido Yamane. International Journal of Ikebana Studies, 11, 31-34. https://doi.org/10.57290/ikebana.11.0_31


2024b. いけ花と環境倫理　International Journal of Ikebana Studies, 11, 26-30 https://doi.org/10.57290/ikebana.11.0_26


https://www.shoso.com.au 

Tuesday, 21 May 2024

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