Innovative Renewable Energy Plan to Preserve Ikebana Culture Amid Climate Change
In a groundbreaking initiative, the Ikebana Ohara School (a prominent school of Japanese flower arrangement) and Updater Inc. have announced a collaborative effort to launch a renewable energy plan named 'Ikebana Tsunagu Denki' (Ikebana Connecting Electricity) starting October 1, 2025. This initiative aims to switch daily electricity usage to environmentally-friendly renewable energy sources. By doing so, it seeks to reduce carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, protect the natural materials used in Ikebana, and ultimately preserve the culture for future generations. The project represents a new opportunity to safeguard Japan's traditional culture through conscientious energy choices.
The art of Ikebana holds deep cultural significance in Japan, reflecting the beauty of nature and the seasonal shifts through floral arrangements. However, in recent years, climate change has brought about extreme weather patterns, rising temperatures, and altered precipitation, posing a significant threat to the continuation of traditional Ikebana practices. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan revealed in its July 2024 report that disturbances in agricultural product cultivation and quality due to global warming have become evident. This includes record-high average summer temperatures in 2024, along with verified effects on flower production across the country due to abnormal heat.
These findings indicate substantial changes in the growing conditions of seasonal flowers integral to Ikebana, resulting in diminished harvests and difficulties in sustaining flower production. Should this trend continue, it would jeopardize the possibility of passing on the art of Ikebana, a cherished part of Japan's cultural heritage.
In response to this urgent situation, the Ikebana Ohara School and Updater Inc. are embarking on a new approach titled 'Protecting Japanese Traditional Culture through Energy Choices.' By adopting renewable energy in daily life, this project provides an opportunity for people to consider the threats facing Ikebana, fostering support and awareness for this pivotal cultural practice.
Through the joint effort between the Ikebana Ohara School and Updater Inc., consumers can reduce their CO₂ emissions by switching to renewable energy for their homes. This initiative goes beyond mere consumption; it aims to address climate change in a way that actively supports the Ikebana cultural legacy.
1. Zero CO₂ Emissions: The project guarantees 100% renewable energy, sharing the environmental benefits of renewable energy certificates.
2. Supporting the Ikebana Material Preservation Project: A portion of the electricity fees from 'Ikebana Tsunagu Denki' will contribute to the Ohara School's 'Ikebana Material Preservation Project'. This project focuses on the proactive utilization of declining flower materials, aiding and nurturing producers while also supporting artisans who create tools and vessels for Ikebana practices.
- More information on the Ikebana Material Preservation Project can be found here.
Customers who continue to use 'Ikebana Tsunagu Denki' will have exclusive access to workshops for children and events where they can meet flower producers, thus directly experiencing Ikebana culture and the dedication of its creators.
Eiji Oishi, CEO of Updater Inc.
“I was shocked to learn about the serious threats facing Ikebana during my discussions with representatives from the Ohara School. Climate change and declining birth rates are leading to a loss of both flower materials and successors. This threat is not just limited to Ikebana but is a broader challenge to various traditional Japanese cultures quietly vanishing due to neglect. 'Ikebana Tsunagu Denki' is a commitment to supporting producers and artisans through the electricity we use daily, fostering a connection to our cultural roots for future generations.”
Hiroki Ohara, the Fifth Headmaster of Ikebana Ohara School
“Many are aware of Ikebana as a form of Japanese traditional culture, even if it feels distant. As an expression of the Japanese spirit, Ikebana has garnered significant respect overseas. Yet, due to the impacts of climate change, the availability of essential flower materials is diminishing, and producers are ceasing their work, creating substantial hurdles for cultural preservation. I hope that through this initiative, more people will engage with the challenges facing Ikebana and contribute to activities that sustain this precious tradition.”
Applying for 'Ikebana Tsunagu Denki' is straightforward. You will need your usage records (from your electricity meter reading) and a credit card:
1. Preparation: Gather your electricity usage report and credit card.
2. Web Application: Complete your application online, ensuring you enter the code 'Ikebana' in the notes section.
3. Start Using: After applying, you will receive an email notifying you of your start date, which will be effective from your next meter reading.
- Note: Expect a timeframe of 1 to 6 weeks from application to start date.
Every month, you can contribute ¥100 per account to support the Ikebana Material Preservation Project. After your application, log into your Minna Denryoku account, set 'Ikebana Tsunagu Denki' as your supported project, and an additional ¥100 will be contributed each month.
Minna Denryoku provides 'Visible Renewable Energy at 100%'. We clarify the stories of renewable energy producers who generate the electricity behind your plug, fostering excitement about energy choices. We source electricity from various renewables across Japan, while ensuring ethical production practices and maintaining community relations. When using Minna Denryoku services, you can direct ¥100 from your electricity fees each month to a renewable source of your choice, with potential rewards and events connected to those producers. Our initiative cultivates a new value by establishing transparent relationships between electricity producers and consumers.
About Updater Inc.
About Ikebana Ohara School
Background
The art of Ikebana holds deep cultural significance in Japan, reflecting the beauty of nature and the seasonal shifts through floral arrangements. However, in recent years, climate change has brought about extreme weather patterns, rising temperatures, and altered precipitation, posing a significant threat to the continuation of traditional Ikebana practices. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan revealed in its July 2024 report that disturbances in agricultural product cultivation and quality due to global warming have become evident. This includes record-high average summer temperatures in 2024, along with verified effects on flower production across the country due to abnormal heat.
These findings indicate substantial changes in the growing conditions of seasonal flowers integral to Ikebana, resulting in diminished harvests and difficulties in sustaining flower production. Should this trend continue, it would jeopardize the possibility of passing on the art of Ikebana, a cherished part of Japan's cultural heritage.
In response to this urgent situation, the Ikebana Ohara School and Updater Inc. are embarking on a new approach titled 'Protecting Japanese Traditional Culture through Energy Choices.' By adopting renewable energy in daily life, this project provides an opportunity for people to consider the threats facing Ikebana, fostering support and awareness for this pivotal cultural practice.
Objectives of 'Ikebana Tsunagu Denki'
Through the joint effort between the Ikebana Ohara School and Updater Inc., consumers can reduce their CO₂ emissions by switching to renewable energy for their homes. This initiative goes beyond mere consumption; it aims to address climate change in a way that actively supports the Ikebana cultural legacy.
1. Zero CO₂ Emissions: The project guarantees 100% renewable energy, sharing the environmental benefits of renewable energy certificates.
2. Supporting the Ikebana Material Preservation Project: A portion of the electricity fees from 'Ikebana Tsunagu Denki' will contribute to the Ohara School's 'Ikebana Material Preservation Project'. This project focuses on the proactive utilization of declining flower materials, aiding and nurturing producers while also supporting artisans who create tools and vessels for Ikebana practices.
- More information on the Ikebana Material Preservation Project can be found here.
Future Prospects
Customers who continue to use 'Ikebana Tsunagu Denki' will have exclusive access to workshops for children and events where they can meet flower producers, thus directly experiencing Ikebana culture and the dedication of its creators.
Leadership Messages
Eiji Oishi, CEO of Updater Inc.
“I was shocked to learn about the serious threats facing Ikebana during my discussions with representatives from the Ohara School. Climate change and declining birth rates are leading to a loss of both flower materials and successors. This threat is not just limited to Ikebana but is a broader challenge to various traditional Japanese cultures quietly vanishing due to neglect. 'Ikebana Tsunagu Denki' is a commitment to supporting producers and artisans through the electricity we use daily, fostering a connection to our cultural roots for future generations.”
Hiroki Ohara, the Fifth Headmaster of Ikebana Ohara School
“Many are aware of Ikebana as a form of Japanese traditional culture, even if it feels distant. As an expression of the Japanese spirit, Ikebana has garnered significant respect overseas. Yet, due to the impacts of climate change, the availability of essential flower materials is diminishing, and producers are ceasing their work, creating substantial hurdles for cultural preservation. I hope that through this initiative, more people will engage with the challenges facing Ikebana and contribute to activities that sustain this precious tradition.”
'Ikebana Tsunagu Denki' Overview
- - Name: Ikebana Tsunagu Denki
- - Service Start Date: October 1, 2025
Application Process
Applying for 'Ikebana Tsunagu Denki' is straightforward. You will need your usage records (from your electricity meter reading) and a credit card:
1. Preparation: Gather your electricity usage report and credit card.
2. Web Application: Complete your application online, ensuring you enter the code 'Ikebana' in the notes section.
3. Start Using: After applying, you will receive an email notifying you of your start date, which will be effective from your next meter reading.
- Note: Expect a timeframe of 1 to 6 weeks from application to start date.
Support for the Ikebana Material Preservation Project
Every month, you can contribute ¥100 per account to support the Ikebana Material Preservation Project. After your application, log into your Minna Denryoku account, set 'Ikebana Tsunagu Denki' as your supported project, and an additional ¥100 will be contributed each month.
About Minna Denryoku
Minna Denryoku provides 'Visible Renewable Energy at 100%'. We clarify the stories of renewable energy producers who generate the electricity behind your plug, fostering excitement about energy choices. We source electricity from various renewables across Japan, while ensuring ethical production practices and maintaining community relations. When using Minna Denryoku services, you can direct ¥100 from your electricity fees each month to a renewable source of your choice, with potential rewards and events connected to those producers. Our initiative cultivates a new value by establishing transparent relationships between electricity producers and consumers.
About Updater Inc.
- - Location: 2-11-22 Sangenjaya, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
- - CEO: Eiji Oishi
- - Founded: May 25, 2011
- - Capital: 100 million yen
- - Business Focus: Decarbonization and well-being services
- - Corporate Site: Updater Inc.
About Ikebana Ohara School
- - Location: 5-7-17 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- - President: Noriko Ohara
- - Corporate Site: Ikebana Ohara School
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