There is a home where you can experience authentic traditional Japanese flower arrangement in the central Kanazawa town of Hondamachi. This is the home of Ms. Yachi, the 1st class head Professor of Ohara school.
The history of Ikebana
Ikebana started more than 1000years ago as a way to offer flowers to shrines and temples, and later developed into a method of interior decoration, then spread to the town people during the Edo period. Today there are more than 250 schools. Ohara school is one of the three major schools, founded in 1895.

Ikebana is also called “kado” or the way of flower arrangement, and seeks something like an inner sense of
calmness. “Do” as in Judo (the way of yawara) and Sado (the way of tea), “Do” in Japanese means the way of spiritual or philosophical thinking.

Beginning students start with the basics of Moribana, which is the basis of the Rising Form.

Arranging the flowers in order as shown in photos A to D to complete the arrangement.
    1. The flowers used as an example of the work are lilies of the valley,

　　cockscombs and solidasters.
    2. There is a main branch, and a guest branch, which are given roles.

　　The other floral materials are considered the intermediate branches.
    3. First, put in the main branch of the lily of the valley(The length of the main branch

　　shouldn’t exceed twice the length of the vase plus its height.) Photo A
    4. Next, put in a guest branch of cockscomb (it is one third of the length of the main branch) 　　and then tilt it forward 45 degrees. Photo B
    5. The remaining materials are placed as intermediate branches,

　　well-balanced between the main branch and the guest branches. Photo C
    6. It is completed. Photo D

Ikebana is popular among young girls because it is regarded as an esthetic preparation for marriage.

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◎Why don’t you experience the traditional Japanese culture of Ikebana?