2024c. Art of Meditation: Attitudes to Nature in Japanese Gardens and Ikebana, Garland Magazine 35
Tuesday 25 June 2024
New Publication: Art of Meditation
Thursday 13 June 2024
New Publication: The Way of Ikebana
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
Tuesday 21 May 2024
Shoso Autumn 2024 Tsuwabuki
Ikebana Dojo - Online ikebana learning community.
Open for anyone around the world.
Web: http://bit.ly/IkebanaDojo
Shoso Shimbo: https://www.shoso.com.au/ Melbourne Ikebana Festival: https://www.ikebanafestival.com/
Ikebana for Seniors - Half Price
Postponed: New dates will be announced in late 2024.
Would you like to join the Ikebana Research Workshop at a special price? We would like to invite 30 participants to 2 - 3:30 on Sunday 4 August. Our workshops take place in Murrumbeena, Melbourne.
Purpose: The workshop aims to explore the lived experience of seniors being introduced to practising ikebana for the first time.
Research Participation: Participants are required to fill out questionnaires before and after the workshop, provide feedback during brief interviews, and allow researchers to observe their engagement levels.
Eligibility: Participants must be over 60 years old and have no previous formal training in Ikebana.
Cost: The workshop costs $30 per person, with all materials included. This is a special price compared to the normal fee of $60.
Workshop Details: Participants will create Ikebana arrangements under the guidance of an Ikebana teacher. They will be provided with materials, tools, and instructions to create their arrangements.
Post-Workshop: Participants get to take home their Ikebana arrangements. Participants will be contacted by phone for a brief interview about their workshop experience.
Photos of the arrangements will be displayed at the Wa Melbourne Ikebana Festival.
Confidentiality: Participants' responses will be kept confidential, and their names will not be mentioned in the study. Information collected will be stored securely.
Have fun with flowers and help us improve our instructions.
If you are interested in participating or have any questions, you can contact us for further details. The questionnaires we are using include the Toronto Mindfulness Scale. shososhimbo@gmail.com
Additional Notes
1. Our studio is upstairs, so if you have difficulty with stairs, please talk to us before you book so we can make arrangements for you.
2. If you have an allergy to cats or dogs, please let us know.
Monday 20 May 2024
Melbourne Ikebana Festival 2024
Press Release
May 18, 2024
Melbourne Ikebana Festival Proposes New Possibilities of Ikebana from Melbourne!
The Melbourne Ikebana Festival is set to enchant attendees from September 5, 2024. This event will unite Ikebana artists not only from Japan and Vietnam but also from diverse corners of the globe. International musicians and skilled ceramic artists will also be part of this unique festival in the heart of Melbourne. Expect a rich tapestry of Ikebana-related activities and immerse yourself in the captivating displays.
Calling all talented exhibitors worldwide to participate in the prestigious Ikebana Exhibition – come and share your love of Ikebana with us.
Event Details
Save the dates from September 5th to 8th for the Wa Melbourne Ikebana Festival, proudly organized under the guidance of CEO Shoso Shimbo and his team. This immersive event will unfold across prestigious venues including the Melbourne Recital Centre, Abbotsford Convent, and Beleura House in Mornington.
Despite its introduction over 50 years ago, Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement, has yet to fully bloom in the hearts of Melbournians. To bridge this gap, we've organized a wide array of events to introduce Ikebana to a wider audience. This year, our focus is on the relevance of Ikebana in contemporary society.
Events include flower exhibitions, demonstrations, hands-on workshops, Ikebana performances, an exquisite dinner show, an enlightening presentation on Ikebana's therapeutic benefits, the prestigious Ikebana Container Award, and an Ikebana-style wedding bouquet contest.
Join us as we celebrate Ikebana's timeless beauty and explore its modern significance.
Three Main Events Featuring International Guests
1. Ikebana Performance: Hanadayori Night
Embark on a sensory journey as we unveil the exquisite Hanadayori Collection perfume series crafted by Metascent, accompanied by a live Ikebana performance by Shoso Shimbo. Joining Shoso is the internationally acclaimed classical guitarist, Slava Grigoryan, adding a melodic touch to the immersive experience.
- Event Name: "Ikebana Performance: Hanadayori Night"
- Duration: September 7, 2024, from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
- Venue: Melbourne Recital Centre
- Website: Link
2. Hiroe Swen Ceramic Art Exhibition
We are very lucky to have internationally acclaimed ceramic artist Hiroe Swen, an Order of Australia recipient join us this year. Her solo exhibition will run alongside the Melbourne Ikebana Container Competition. Ms Swen will present the “Hiroe Swen Award" in person to the winner of the competition.
- Event Name: "Hiroe Swen Ceramic Art Exhibition"
- Duration: September 7 & 8, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Venue: Salon, Abbotsford Convent
- Website: Link
3. Ikebana Dinner Show by Oshun Tsukagoshi
Indulge in an unforgettable dining experience at Beleura House, a jewel among Melbourne's Historical Houses & Gardens, while witnessing the graceful artistry of guest artist from Japan, Oshun Tsukagoshi, the Headmaster of Ikebana Shofu as he brings elegant ikebana creations to life before your eyes.
- Event Name: “Ikebana Dinner Show"
- Duration: September 5, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
- Venue: Beleura House, Mornington
- Website: Link
Other Events:
Ikebana Shofu Exhibition
Our free ikebana exhibition is the chief event of the festival. This year it will feature 20 artists representing the Shofu school of Ikebana, including Iemoto (head master of the school) Oshun Tsukagoshi from Japan.
Hana-Awase (Ikebana with Mozart)
Two teams of ikebana artists will compete in a Hana-Awase style performance to live music by the musicians of the renowned Orchestra 21.
Bridal Ikebana Bouquet Award
Discover the beauty and elegance of the winning designs at this year's Bridal Ikebana Bouquet Award, where traditional Japanese floral artistry meets contemporary bridal fashion. Brides-to-be will be our judges.
Ikebana Demonstration
Under the theme of "Ikebana for restaurants and cafes", selected ikebana artists will take 6 minutes each to demonstrate their work.
Ikebana Container Award
This award calls for ceramic artists to create a container for Ikebana works, highlighting the importance of containers as a complement to the beauty of Ikebana floral arrangements. Hiroe Swen will select the winner.
The Organiser
The organizer of the Melbourne Ikebana Festival is Tsubo Melbourne Pty Ltd.
Contact
Shoso Shimbo, CEO of Melbourne Ikebana Festival
Shoan Lo, Managing Director
Virginia Fong, Public Relations
Wa Melbourne Ikebana Festival
Website: https://www.ikebanafestival.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wa.ikebana
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wa.ikebana/
Note to Editors: High-resolution images and additional press materials are available upon request.
Monday 29 April 2024
Saturday 23 March 2024
Melbourne Flower Show 2024
To promote the Melbourne Ikebana Festival Shoan and Shoso exhibited at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show. The Show is on till 24 March Sunday. https://www.ikebanafestival.com
Tuesday 12 March 2024
Mother's Day Ikebana
11:00 - 12:30, Saturday 11 May 2024
Murrumbeena, Melbourne
$100 per person
Booking
Celebrate Mother’s Day with Ikebana!
Indulge in a 90-minute Ikebana flower-arranging class with your mother. Perfect for beginners, immerse yourself in this Japanese art of flower arrangement in Melbourne.
Led by experienced teacher Shoso, you'll receive a brief introduction to Ikebana and learn the basics to kickstart your Ikebana journey. Create your own small Ikebana arrangement to take home, along with newfound knowledge and skills.
Afterward, relish Japanese tea at Shoso’s stunning Japanese garden, as featured on ABC Gardening Australia.
Please note:
- The studio is upstairs; inform us of any mobility concerns.
- Notify us of any pet allergies.
Join us for a memorable Mother’s Day experience!
Sunday 11 February 2024
Shoso Valentine's Day 2024
Dr. Shoso Shimbo demonstrates the creation of a straightforward Valentine's Day flower arrangement, elucidating various design principles in ikebana. This tutorial caters to both beginners and advanced ikebana enthusiasts, providing an opportunity for all to learn and experiment with ikebana arrangements. https://www.shoso.com.au
One-hour introductory workshop: https://bit.ly/ikebanaIntro
Melbourne Ikebana Festival: https://www.ikebanafestival.com
Ikebana Dojo - Online ikebana learning community. Open for anyone around the world. Web: http://bit.ly/IkebanaDojo
Wednesday 13 December 2023
Join Ikebana Courses in 2024
Book our ikebana classes, face-to-face or online courses starting January 2024.
Ikebana Introduction : One Hour Workshop for New Students.
Online Ikebana Courses: Ikebana Aesthetics Program & 1000 Ikebana Challenge.
Tuesday 21 November 2023
Hanadayori 2023 (Part 2) - Ikebana by Request - Online Exhibtion 花信：今、世...
Hanadayori Part 1&2 Launched.
Following is our thank you letter to the Hanadayori Artists:
Dear Hanadayori Artist,
Shoan Lo & Shoso Shimbo, PhD
Curators, Hanadayori 2023
We are delighted to announce the launch of Hanadayori 2023 Part 2. You can explore the captivating creations at [https://www.ikebanafestival.com/hanadayori-2023/hanadayori-2023-part-1-2-launched].
We extend our sincere gratitude for your valuable contribution, to showcasing ikebana's profound beauty and power to a wider audience. Your patience during the postponements is truly appreciated.
As we unveil Hanadayori 2023 Part 1 & 2, we are deeply moved by ikebana artists' genuine and respectful expressions towards viewers and those who made special requests. Our aspiration for Hanadayori was to foster a meaningful, even spiritual connection between artists and viewers, and we are thrilled to see this vision come to life in Hanadayori 2023. The project underscores that ikebana's essence lies in developing the skill to quietly speak to the soul of others through meditation on nature.
Looking ahead, we are actively working on the launch of the Hanadayori 2023 photobook. A sneak peek of the front cover is attached. We anticipate commencing the photobook sale by the end of 2023. While we aim to include all the remarkable works received, the final selection may be influenced by the quality of the photos.
Proceeds from the photobook sales will be allocated towards production costs, and any surplus (though unlikely) will contribute to the ongoing expenses of the Wa Melbourne Ikebana Festival.
Once again, we sincerely thank you for your cooperation in making this project an integral part of the Wa Melbourne Ikebana Festival. We look forward to your participation in Hanadayori 2025 and our exhibition at the festival in September 2024.
Special appreciation goes to our dedicated volunteer team and the generous support from our major sponsor, Metascent. They have crafted the Hanadayori collection, a new set of perfumes, appreciating the spirit and significance of our Hanadayori project.
Thank you for being a crucial part of the Hanadayori journey.
Warm regards,
Shoan Lo & Shoso Shimbo, PhD
Curators, Hanadayori 2023
Curators, Hanadayori 2023
花信にご協力いただいた方々へ
おかげさまで以下のようにHanadayori 2023 Part 2を公開することができましたのでお知らせいたします。
https://www.ikebanafestival.com/hanadayori-2023/hanadayori-2023-part-1-2-launched
世界の方々にいけばなの力を示すこの活動にご貢献いただき、誠にありがとうございました。なお、さまざまな理由により、公開が予定より遅れましたことをお詫びします。
Hanadayori 2023 Part 1＆2を拝見し、いけばなアーティストの皆さまが鑑賞者、特にリクエストをされた方々に対し、真摯で敬意に満ちた態度で対応されていることに感銘を受けました。Hanadayoriプロジェクトがアーティストと鑑賞者との間により深い、ひいては精神的なつながりをも生み出せることを願っていましたが、この願いが叶えられたことを嬉しく思います。Hanadayori 2023は、いけばなのひとつの目標が、自然を瞑想することを通じ、他者の魂に静かに語りかけるスキルを育てることであることを明確に示しています。
現在、Hanadayori 2023の写真集の発売に向けて取り組んでいます。添付のように井口氏の作品を用いた表紙を予定しています。写真集の売上げから得た収益は、写真集の制作コストに充てられます。もし売上げが制作コストを上回る場合（それは考えにくいですが）、余剰分は和·メルボルン生け花フェスティバルの運営費用に充てさせていただきますのでご了承願います。
和·メルボルン生け花フェスティバルの重要な一環であるこのプロジェクトへのご協力に再度感謝申し上げます。Hanadayori 2025へのご参加、さらに、2024年9月のフェスティバルでの華展へのご参加もぜひご検討ください。
なお、当方のボランティアチームの尽力と、当プロジェクトの精神と意義を評価してくださった主要スポンサー、Metascentへもお礼申し上げます。当プロジェクトに因んだ新しい香水セット、Hanadayoriコレクションを発売し、助成していただいています。
Best Regards
Curators, Hanadayori 2023
Saturday 4 November 2023
Two Sculpture Exhibitions till 3 Dec 2023
Shoso Shimbo's sculpture works are selected for the following two exhibitions: Yering Station Sculpture Exhibition & Yarra Vally Arts Interior Exhibition.
Wednesday 20 September 2023
How to Teach Ikebana (and Its Essence)
Application opens in November 2023. Book from our Schedule page.
Visit our Curriculum page to find out why our one-year Ikebana Dojo program would help all ikebana students and teachers.
We believe that there is a gap between basic styles and freestyles in many ikebana courses. After learning basic styles, students are encouraged to make freestyles such as "vertical arrangement" or "horizontal arrangement". However, where is the connection between the basic and freestyles? The approach used in such courses can be called a style-based approach to freestyle ikebana. Such courses make many students confused, and will never teach the most important aspect of ikebana: Meditation.
Unfortunately, many ikebana practitioners, in particular outside Japan, are learning freestyle ikebana using the style-based approach, copying good "designs"(or something visible), and producing ikebana-like works that lack vital energy. The style-based approach is useful in learning basic styles because you can usually follow diagrams to make a good ikebana.
To make a good freestyle ikebana, however, you need to develop a different competence to see and actualise invisible principles through meditation. Those ikebana principles are not easily visible but recognizable if gazed at by a selfless mind. We call such an approach the principle-based approach, which we use in Ikebana Dojo. We are trying to teach ikebana as art not as design.
Our courses intend to teach the true essence of ikebana.
上記の英語をGoogleの翻訳機能で日本語に訳してみました。下記の通り驚くほど性能が向上していますね。
申し込みは 2023 年 11 月に開始されます。スケジュール ページからご予約ください。
私たちの 1 年間のいけばな道場プログラムがすべてのいけばな生徒と教師に役立つ理由を知るには、カリキュラム ページをご覧ください。
多くのいけばなコースでは、基本スタイルとフリースタイルの間にギャップがあると私たちは考えています。基本的なスタイルを学んだ後は、「縦配置」「横配置」など自由なスタイルを作っていきます。しかし、ベーシックとフリースタイルの関係はどこにあるのでしょうか？このような講座で行われるアプローチは、フリースタイルいけばなに対するスタイルベースのアプローチと言えます。このようなコースは多くの生徒を混乱させ、生け花の最も重要な側面を決して教えません。瞑想。
残念なことに、多くの生け花実践者は、特に日本国外で、スタイルベースのアプローチを使用してフリースタイル生け花を学び、優れた「デザイン」（または目に見えるもの）をコピーし、生命エネルギーに欠ける生け花のような作品を制作しています。スタイルベースのアプローチは、通常は図に従うことで優れた生け花を作成できるため、基本的なスタイルを学ぶのに役立ちます。
しかし、優れたフリースタイル生け花を作るには、瞑想を通じて目に見えない原理を理解し、実現するための別の能力を開発する必要があります。これらの生け花の原則は、簡単に目に見えるものではありませんが、無私な心で見つめれば認識できます。このようなアプローチを私たちは原則ベースのアプローチと呼び、いけばな道場ではそれを採用しています。
私たちのコースは生け花の真髄を教えることを目的としています。
Wednesday 13 September 2023
Hanadayori Night in Ho Chi Minh City
Message from Shoso Shimbo, PhD
9 September 2023
Thank you for coming to our performance tonight.
This was a very challenging experience for me. I had to work with a new site, new materials, & new staff. I know the site, materials and staff are all great, but I was still anxious. All I could do was to do my best to actualise my new design.
According to Japanese mythology, when the heavenly gods created Japan, they were so impressed with the living energy of the reeds in the wet lands that they decided to send their descendants to introduce rice farming and rule the nation.
The god met a beautiful princess, konohananosakuyahime, in Kyushu, and they got married and their descendants became Japanese emperors. Sakihana, one of the Hanadayori perfumes comes from the name of this princess.
I often wish I could express a living energy that would impress the heavenly gods in my work. I hope that my work this time has a small part of that sort of energy.
I would like to thank so many people who made it possible to realise this special event.
First, Yen and her team worked so hard for me. They were so kind and efficient. I feel so grateful that they have made this a very special event for me.
Hanadayori was a small part of the Wa Melbourne Ikebana Festival. It asked ikebana artists around the world to create an ikebana work according to the request chosen for them. It aimed to promote ikebana and our ikebana festival. But Metascent became a sponsor of the Wa Melbourne Ikebana Festival and Yen took our Hanadayori project to the next level.
To support the Wa Melbourne Ikebana Festival, Metascent has created a new set of perfumes inspired by Japanese culture. We are so excited with this collaboration. We hope many of you will appreciate the hanadayori perfumes and that you will have a chance to visit or exhibit at the Wa Melbourne Ikebana Festival in September 2024.
I am also grateful to Mr Duc Tri and his musicians. It is a great honour to be able to work with such talented and highly regarded musicians.
Thank you also my flower sponsor, Dalat Hasfarm. Their high quality flowers were crucial for my work today. Thank you very much.
I am also thankful to the Gem centre and its team. It is great to show my work on such a world class stage. Thank you very much.
