Manar Elbaz

DUBAI: Certified Palestinian Sogetsu Ikebana instructor Samia Jaber held an engaging workshop on April 20 at Dubai’s Alserkal Avenue, which was attended by the Consulate General of Japan in Dubai, IMANISHI Jun. 

Founded in 1927, Ikebana Sogetsu is one of the major schools in Ikebana. The school encourages the learners to pursue creativity and artistic freedom, rather than adhering to strict rules. 

Jaber, who has more than 20 years of experience, told Arab News Japan that she became interested in Ikebana because of her Palestinian roots. “In Palestine, we have rich landscapes. We have rich air and a lot of plants,” she said. “I went to a Japanese teacher and finished three (Ikebana) books with her.” 

“I graduated from Fine Arts. Ikebana and art are very similar because they are both about composition and balance,” she added. 

The session took place in a cozy environment at KAVE Cafe. It began with Jaber teaching participants the meaning of Ikebana and how it differs from regular flower arrangements. Guests took their time to arrange the flowers in the relaxing atmosphere. 

This workshop follows the cherry blossom workshop that took place in March. Imanishi told Arab News Japan that he is pleased that guests are taking part in Japanese culture. “This session is different from the (one in March). I’m glad to see the participants enjoy. It is a good opportunity for people to get exposed to Japanese culture,” he said. 

“Ikebana is one the tools in Japanese culture that helps you express yourself,” he added. “It is a big part of Japanese culture.” 

The two-hour session was attended by a variety of influencers, such as Tunisian influencer Mouna Ouni and UAE-based influencer Walaa Al Fayeg, who previously told Arab News Japan that they are heavily interested in Japanese culture and look forward to visiting Japan in the future.

Jaber will be taking her workshop to Japan in June.

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