Category Archives: Noh no Ikebana

“I began learning ikebana in my twenties. Since then, it’s my hobby. I’m a farmer, so I use wildflowers, green items from the mountains as well as agricultural products and tools. I put my arrangements at the entrance to welcome my guests. Or I sometimes have them displayed at the local festivals. When I make an arrangement, I start by thinking about a story. I enjoy the most when I’m thinking about tools and flowers, places, and themes. Making notes and drawings is also helpful in creating an arrangement which is close to your image. I always place importance on “subtracting.” I try to hold my temptation to show all … Continue reading →

Height gap can give arrangement depth. “I began Noh no Ikebana more than 20 years ago. The best part of Noh no Ikebana for vegetable farmers is how we can create arrangements with vegetables we grow and flowers in the fields. We can’t sell veggies in irregular shapes and sizes, but they look just brilliant in the arrangements. My friends and I go to many places to host exhibitions and events for beginners, which gave me valuable experiences. I think it’s an ageless hobby, and I want to continue enjoying it for as long as possible. I made this arrangement “Spring is here” with Setsuko Saito (69), a friend from … Continue reading →

“The good thing about Noh no Ikebana is that we can enjoy it with free ideas. It’s not just fun. It gives me new insights as I work together with friends. We show vegetables and flowers and ask each other questions, like when I should plant them or how we can cook them. I learn from others about vegetables I don’t grow or cook at home. The theme of this arrangement is “Look; I found the spring!” The materials are vegetables and flowers in early spring. Field mustard, Chinese citrons, and mimosa in spring colors are doing a great job. We used the roots of vegetables and branches of flowers … Continue reading →

“I began Noh no Ikebana more than 35 years ago. First, I joined the class given by a master of Noh no Ikebana, Toshie Yokoi, from an agricultural cooperative in Higashi Chita (JA Aichi Chita) at her visit at our female members’ group event. When she made some adjustments, vegetables in my arrangement suddenly looked so beautiful, fresh and lively. That moved me a lot I remember. Soon, I joined the club of the female members in Agui. Currently, the club has 19 members, but it’ll be nice if we can have some younger members, too. I always look for the materials for my arrangements, while I’m at my farm … Continue reading →

“I saw the photos of Noh no Ikebana on the Japan Agricultural News and thought I want to do it myself. Then I began in 2012. I often use vegetable flowers. My favorite ones are flowers of Chinese chives. Looking at the white, small, and cute flowers, many blooming all together, makes me feel happy and calm. I also love the interesting look of their buds, which look like the heads of snakes. We seldom see vegetable flowers in supermarkets. So, we farmers are lucky to have and enjoy looking at them. When I find good-looking vegetables, plants and flowers, I took them home for my display at home entrance. … Continue reading →