Melbourne Ikebana Festival
29 & 30 August 2026
Salon & Store, Abbotsford Convent, Melbourne
Saturday, 27 June 2026
Saturday, 6 June 2026
Melbourne Ikebana Festival 2026
Melbourne Ikebana Festival 2026 — Showcasing New Possibilities for Ikebana to the World
The Melbourne Ikebana Festival will be held from 29 August to 1 September 2026. This ambitious international program explores the future of ikebana in contemporary society, bringing together leading ikebana artists, educators, researchers, musicians, ceramicists, and enthusiasts from Australia, Japan, Vietnam, and beyond.
Why Ikebana Now?
While ikebana has been appreciated around the world for many years, the number of practitioners in Japan continues to decline, creating significant challenges for its preservation and development. The Melbourne Ikebana Festival believes that ikebana is more than a traditional art form—it is a meaningful practice that can contribute to wellbeing, mindfulness, creativity, and a deeper connection with nature in modern society.
The festival also aims to demonstrate ikebana’s potential applications in hospitality, events, wellness, education, and design, creating new professional and commercial opportunities for younger generations of practitioners.
Dr Shoso Shimbo, Festival CEO says, "Even after finally obtaining a teaching certification, many find there are few opportunities for work. This is the reality faced by our students today. If this situation continues, it is difficult to expect people—especially younger generations—to take an interest in ikebana. I believe there is something we, as ikebana teachers, can do for our students. Our goal is to provide opportunities for new generations to encounter ikebana and to communicate its significance in contemporary society. Through this festival, we aim to demonstrate that ikebana is not only a healing art and a cultural practice, but also a field with great potential as a modern creative profession. We would be deeply grateful for your support in helping us realize this vision".Venues
- Melbourne Recital Centre
- Abbotsford Convent
- Beleura House & Garden (Mornington Peninsula)
Featured Events
Hanadayori Night
A unique collaborative event where ikebana, fragrance, and music come together. Celebrating the launch of the Hanadayori Collection by Metascent, the evening features a live ikebana performance by Shoso Shimbo and a special recital by internationally acclaimed soprano Jessica Azodi.
Date: Saturday, 29 August 2026, 7:00–8:30 pm
Venue: Melbourne Recital Centre
Hana-awase — Ikebana Battle with Canapes & Drinks
Inspired by traditional Japanese flower competitions, this live event sees two teams of ikebana artists create original works before a live audience, competing in skill and creativity. The winning team will be determined by audience vote.
Date: Tuesday, 1 September 2026, 6:00–8:30 pm
Venue: Beleura House & Garden, Mornington Peninsula
Certified Ikebana Therapy Guide Course
The first certification course of its kind outside Japan, led by Dr Hamasaki and Professor Niikawa, pioneers in ikebana therapy research. Participants will learn about the therapeutic benefits of ikebana and its applications in wellbeing, community engagement, and personal development.
Dates: 27–30 August 2026
Venue: Abbotsford Convent
Additional Programs
- International Ikebana Exhibition — Works by artists from Australia and overseas (free admission)
- Bridal Ikebana Bouquet Award — A competition combining Japanese floral artistry with contemporary bridal design
- Ikebana Demonstrations — Artists create original works in just six minutes
- Ikebana Conference — About Ikebana Therapy by Professor Emeriyus Niikawa, Doshisha University, Kyoto
- Ikebana Vase, Hiroe Swen Award — An international award for ceramic artists from around the world
- Ikebana Workshops — Including beginner classes, men’s classes, and Japanese-language sessions
Contact
For enquiries, please contact:
Email: wa.ikebana@gmail.com
Official Website: www.ikebanafestival.com
Facebook: facebook.com/wa.ikebana
Instagram: @wa.ikebana
Wednesday, 25 March 2026
Shoso at MIFGS 2026
Concepts / About This Work
Invitation to Meditation
In Shinto, the concept of death does not exist—only a distinction between the living and the non-living, which remain deeply interconnected rather than separate.
In this work, the upper section represents the living world, shaped by two energies: a horizontal flow of green figs and bamboo moving left to right, and a diagonal downward force of dense green lines suggesting wild, organic movement. Where these forces meet, new life emerges, shown through soft swan bush tones and the sacred presence of white protea.
The lower section represents the non-living through succulents (no water given), driftwood, and dried fern. Though subtle, these elements support the vitality above, symbolising not death but a hidden, transformative realm connected to life.
Special Thanks to Janice Hunter & Shoka Healey
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 Shimbo
Monday, 16 March 2026
Ikebana Display for Asahi Group
Ikebana for Asahi Group’s Melbourne Office Opening
Ikebana Calendar: Shoso Shimbo
21 March 2026: Monthly Ikebana Challenge/1000 Ikebana Challenge
25-29 March 2026: Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show - See Shoso's work at the show.
28 March 2026: Ikebana Workshop at Made in Japan
4 April 2026: Ikebana Introduction Workshop
23 May 2026: Ikebana Introduction Workshop
23 May 2026: Ikebana Dojo, Ikebana Aesthetics Level 2 Starts
31 May 2026: Monthly Ikebana Challenge/1000 Ikebana Challenge
27 & 28 August 2026: Ikebana Therapy Guide Certification Training Course
29 & 30 August 2026: Melbourne Ikebana Festival
29 August 2026: Ikebana Performance with Jessica Aszodi.
Monday, 2 February 2026
New Publication
Shimbo, S. (2026). Environmental Art: Ikebana Meets Contemporary Art. In: Joubert, L.A. (eds) Craft—Tradition and Invention. Technical and Vocational Education and Training: Issues, Concerns and Prospects, vol 40. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-95-0485-5_19
Friday, 5 December 2025
Online Ikebana Courses Starting January 2026
Upcoming Ikebana Dojo Sessions - Schedule/Booking
a. Ikebana Aesthetics Program:
Beginners are welcome. Anyone can participate. Whether you are someone who is currently learning Ikebana, has learned it before, or is already teaching Ikebana, you are welcome.
LEVEL 1 (Starting January 2026).
LEVEL 2 (Starting May 2026).
LEVEL 3 (Starting September 2026).
b. 1000 Ikebana Challenge - Book your January 2026 intake by 31/12/2025.
Step into a self-paced program unlike any other. Create 1,000 ikebana arrangements and watch your artistic practice transform from the inside out. This is one of the very few online courses that truly delivers real, personal change.
For those aiming to obtain teaching qualifications or become professional ikebana artists, the first step is to create 1,000 ikebana arrangements.
c. Monthly Ikebana Challenge - Book Now (Join each month)
Saturday, 18 October 2025
Ikebana Display Introductory Offer
Sample: Medium Size Display ($250), Emporium Melbourne
Ikebana Display Introductory Offer
Bring the art of Japanese floral design into your space – Experience 2 weeks of handcrafted Ikebana for only $150. No commitment. Just beauty.
🏷️ Offer Details
Standard Price: $150 per Ikebana display (small size)
Introductory Offer: $150 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
- Samples
- We typically create the display on-site at the venue to ensure the best presentation. However, delivery of completed ikebana arrangements is also available upon request.
- We also offer larger displays for special occasions.
Ikebana Flower Display in Melbourne by Shoso Shimbo & His Team of Award-Winning Artists
Sunday, 12 October 2025
Friday, 22 August 2025
MetaScent Perfume Exhibition in Vietnam
Shoso Shimbo created an Ikebana Installation for MetaScent Perfume Exhibition in Vietnam.
Sunday, 11 May 2025
New Publication
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
Tuesday, 8 April 2025
Mother’s Day Ikebana: 10 & 11 May 2025
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:
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Expert guidance from Shoso
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Fascinating insights into Ikebana's history
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All materials provided
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Your finished Ikebana arrangement to take home
What to Bring:
Just yourself—everything else is provided.
No experience needed!
Please Note:
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The studio is located upstairs—let us know if you have any mobility concerns.
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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!
Wednesday, 26 March 2025
Shoso Shimbo @ Melbourne Flower Show
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 FestivalSunday, 16 March 2025
Hiroe Swen 2025 - Ikebana by Shoso Shimbo
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
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!
Contact: shososhimbo@gmail.com
https://www.shoso.com.au Tuesday, 19 November 2024
Enrol Now - New Ikebana Courses Starting January 2025
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.
