Manar Elbaz

DUBAI: Dubai and Abu Dhabi held Ikebana workshops on Sunday as guests gathered to take part in the traditional Japanese art using cherry blossoms from Japan.

The Dubai workshop was conducted by the UAE’s Ikebana school, Ohara School of Ikebana, at Alserkal Avenue’s Âme Artistic Studio. 

Ikebana professor Harue Oki conducted the class, as she began by sharing the significance and history of the cherry blossom season in Japan.

Oki also explained the difference between regular flower arrangements and Ikebana to the guests and showed the difference between various kinds of flowers.

The two-hour workshop was attended by Dubai’s Consul-General, IMANISHI Jun, who has been learning Ikebana for the last 10 years. He told Arab News Japan that the workshop is a great way to promote Japanese culture in the UAE.

“In Japan, the Sakura season is very popular. Through the workshop, people can also enjoy Japanese culture. After this two-hour (session,) I hope that people enjoy and have a good impression of Japan,” he told Arab News Japan.

“This is a good opportunity for Emirati people to learn about Japanese culture through Ikebana. The most important thing is to enjoy.”

The workshop uses seasonal flowers straight from Japan, further immersing the attendees in the experience. For many guests, it was their first time exploring the world of Japanese flower arrangement.

“I’m very amazed to be part of this experience. I was in Japan last summer (for 20 days) and only got to go to a tea arrangement ceremony, but I’ve never been to a flower arrangement ceremony,” said Tunisian influencer Mouna Ouni.

“Japanese flower arrangement is something unique, and I’m keen to learn more about it. If people don’t have a chance to go to Japan during Sakura season, please come to an Ikebana class to learn more,” she continued.

Additionally, UAE-based influencer Walaa Al Fayeg also attended her first Ikebana workshop on Sunday. “I love how deeply rooted every activity is in the culture of Japan. In this class, we learned so many things,” she told Arab News Japan.

“Every single move has been studied and associated with Japanese culture. I love the techniques that go behind every move. There is a lot of culture and knowledge,” she added.

The workshop concluded with great success, as participants shared that they felt they were connecting with the flowers and viewed the workshop as an escape from their busy lives.

The instructor shared with Arab News Japan that she was pleased with the workshop as she felt the guests’ passion for Japanese culture.

“There is a different mix of nationalities and backgrounds, but in the end, everyone shares one interest,” Oki said.

“Most of the people who come here attend for the first time, but everyone is doing well. It is not that easy, but once you learn the rules, everyone enjoys it,” she added.

Moreover, Abu Dhabi also held an Ikebana class in Arabic on Sunday, which was conducted by Emirati teacher Amani AlShehhi. Students also learned the basics of Ikeban and the significance of the Sakura season in Japanese culture.

The Ohara School of Ikebana is planning another seasonal Ikebana class for the summer, which will take place at the end of May or the beginning of June at Âme Artistic Studio.