Arab News Japan

DUBAI: As part of Dubai’s popular AlSerkal Avenue’s Natsu event, an Ikebana class was hosted by the Ohara School of Ikebana at Ame Studio on July 3.

Official instructor from the school, Kayoko Sotowa, taught the class, passing on the authentic Ohara method taught to her by her mother.

Three other members from the Ohara School of Ikebana supported Sotowa, wearing the traditional Japanese jacket, Haori, from UAE-based clothing store Japan Style.

The 12 participants in the class were all from different nationalities and we served Japanese Mochi and cheesecake from Japanese restaurant Sakura Japan Taste. Ame Studio also served traditional Match tea as they learned the practice of Japanese floral arrangements.

They used the Futoi flower, a seasonal plant from Japan that grows near swamps, lakes and rivers. The plant can create shapes freely.

Al Serkal’s Natsu, or Japanese summer, event is running from June 25 until July 31.

Read more: Dubai beats the heat with Japanese summer at popular cultural district AlSerkal Avenue