About Sogetsu
What is Ikebana
Ikebana comes from the Japanese words ‘ikeru’ (to arrange) and ’hana’ (flowers). Combined, it means “flower arrangement”. Ikebana is about bringing the beauty of the outdoors into our internal spaces – through visually simple but spiritually elevating arrangements since Ikebana originates as a religious offertory in Buddhist temples. According to records, samurais would perform Ikebana together with Japanese tea ceremony to purify their hearts and calm their minds before going to battle.
Elements of Japanese Ikebana
Japanese Ikebana emphasizes on the interaction between the vase, the branches, the flowers and our inner being to create a final harmony. Fresh and dried flowers, leaves and branches are used. Modern day Ikebana also makes use of plastic and metal objects.
Sogetsu Ikebana & global presence
Sogetsu Ikebana has the most progressive style among all Ikebana schools in Japan. In 1927, when everybody believed practising ikebana meant following established forms, Sofu Teshigahara recognized ikebana as a creative art and founded the Sogetsu School. Anyone can enjoy Sogetsu Ikebana anytime, anywhere, using any material.
Sogetsu School has 47 local branches in Japan (one for each prefecture and three in Tokyo), as well as over 120 branches all over the world. You can continue your studies anywhere in the world as local branches will introduce you to teachers in your area.
The same basic techniques are taught by Sogetsu teachers all over the world which allows students to express their individual style applying what they have learnt.
Singapore Sogetsu Association & Activities
The Sogetsu branch in Singapore was started in 1966 by the late Mrs Kazue Kato Kim – a veteran from Sogetsu School Japan whose philosophy is “to spread love and charity through flowers”.
Now into its 53rd year, Singapore Sogetsu Association (SSA) has been hosting yearly fund-raising events for the needy in Singapore through floral exhibitions and demonstrations. In the recent years, we have helped charities including Singapore Children's Society, Care Singapore, National Cancer Centre of Singapore.
SSA has a membership of close to 120. The key mission of the Association is to promote the art of Sogetsu Ikebana through Ikebana classes, exhibition, workshops and get-togethers for sharing of creative Ikebana ideas among members.