Ikebana is one of the traditional Japanese arts which put seasonal flowers and plants in containers beautifully. In Ikebana, it is important to bring out natural beauty of the plants, and create an arrangement using empty space around the plants effectively. Unlike Western flower arranging, we use a metal holder with brass needles called “kenzan” to fix the flowers in containers. Even though they use the same floral materials and try the same styles of arranging, each work has its own expression, which makes Ikebana more interesting. Enjoy your time with beautiful flowers.

In sado, another Japanese traditional culture, a host servs tea to guests with a heart of hospitality. Tea ceremony is not just the place to have tea but an occasion to share precious time among attendees.
In the ceremony, the four principles of “ Wa Kei Sei Jaku – harmony, respect, purity, tranquility” is cherished, and every single action of a host and guests is supposed to exemplify either of these principles.
For instance, a guest who has just been served tea would say “Osakini” to a guest who would be the next with a bow before having tea. The phrase “Osakini” literally means “Please allow me to go first.” By saying this, a guest shows respect to another who would have tea next. A guest would successively say “Otemae Chodai Itashimasu. (Thank you for making the tea.)” to the host to express gratitude. Appreciating a single bowl of tea represents modesty and sincerity, which brings harmony to all the attendees.