#Japan #Kyoto #Ikebana #Sogetsu #Akane Tesshigahara

Akane Tesshigahara's Insightful Lecture at Kyoto University

On December 9, 2025, renowned Ikebana master Akane Tesshigahara, the fourth generation head of the Sogetsu School and chairwoman of the Sogetsu Association, delivered an engaging lecture at Kyoto University's Graduate School of Management. The lecture was part of a course titled "Japanese Traditional Culture and Global Leadership." During her presentation, Tesshigahara highlighted the history of Sogetsu and the emphasis on creativity that has defined the style since its inception. She also demonstrated her skills in Ikebana, showcasing the philosophy nurtured throughout traditional culture through practical art-making.

Background of the Lecture

Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement, has evolved considerably, gaining popularity both domestically and internationally as an expression that adapts to lifestyle and space. Sogetsu's journey began in 1927 when its first headmaster, Sofu Tesshigahara, questioned the conventional notion that Ikebana should adhere strictly to formal methods meant for traditional settings. Sofu advocated that Ikebana could be more liberating and diverse, paving the way for a creative approach that respects individuality.

The lecture materialized following a request from Professor Katsuhiro Sato, a visiting professor at Kyoto University and Waseda University's Business School, who expressed an interest in exposing students to traditional Japanese cultural philosophies as they intersect with today's business world.

Tesshigahara's lecture aimed to inspire the students, who are prominent professionals in various industries, by portraying the creativity of Sogetsu and its evolving nature over time through interactive demonstrations.

Exploring the Culture of Sogetsu

The lecture included both slide presentations and Ikebana demonstrations. Tesshigahara introduced students to the foundational phrase of the Sogetsu philosophy by Sofu: "When flowers are arranged, they become human beings." She emphasized how creativity fosters personal growth and connected these ideas to her own experiences as a floral artist.

Foundation for Freedom

In Sogetsu, beginners first learn the basics of Ikebana through textbook studies. Although Sogetsu upholds the principle of free expression, Tesshigahara stressed the importance of technical skills and knowledge in executing one's vision. Following Sofu's framework, students learn to see the traditional designs not as endpoints but as starting points for their creativity.

Continuous Choices in Ikebana

Creating Ikebana involves a series of choices — deciding which branches to keep, where to place each plant, and considering the color palette and vase shape. Moreover, the artist must think about the audience and setting. Sogetsu emphasizes the importance of making choices that are contextually appropriate, enhancing the overall expression of the arrangement.

Courage to Evolve and Encounter

A significant part of Tesshigahara's message concerned the necessity of courage to change in order to preserve tradition for future generations. She conveyed that flowers created for contemporary individuals must resonate with their hearts. Ikebana emerges from encounters—between plants, vessels, spaces, and people. Continuous curiosity and openness to different worlds lead to new creative expressions, which Tesshigahara illustrated through her personal journeys.

Student Reactions

After the lecture, students who experienced the live demonstration expressed their thoughts. Many noted how impactful the process of creating the arrangements was, with remarks like "It resonated with me deeply" and "I did not realize how closely Ikebana is connected to business." Students began to appreciate not only the completed pieces but also the thought processes behind them that drove the creative choices.

The Future of Sogetsu

Looking ahead, Sogetsu is gearing up to celebrate its centenary in 2027. Remaining true to Sofu's ideologies of "freedom" and "creativity," Sogetsu has initiated preparations for the next 100 years, positioning the years leading up to the centenary as a significant period for domestic and international exhibitions. The 100th-anniversary celebration will commence in April 2027, further extending its outreach regarding the limitless possibilities of Ikebana.

Akane Tesshigahara has been leading the charge for contemporary Ikebana since her appointment as the fourth headmaster in 2001, continually pushing artistic boundaries while nurturing new expressions suitable for modern-day spaces. In addition to her artistic endeavors, she runs the "Akane Junior Class," aiming to cultivate sensitivity and independence in children through Ikebana. Her collaborative efforts with artists from various fields and initiatives like "Ikebana Live" demonstrate her commitment to promoting this intricate art form further.

For more information, you can visit Sogetsu's official website at Sogetsu, or follow them on Facebook here and Instagram here.