REVIEW: Tuttle Publishing's Japanese Ikebana for Every Season by Rie Imai and Yuji Ueno

Ikebana, the Japanese traditional flower arrangement was part of my course, B.S. Botany, over a decade ago. My knowledge and learning experience were very brief and limited. What made it more taxing was it was graded although I enjoyed it so much!

I haven’t thought of enriching my Ikebana skills because I knew that it couldn’t be done without the use of a kenzan pin, which was mentioned by our professor as the standard flower stabilizing technique in this art. I was so silly that I was just confined to this idea that without kenzan pin, Ikebana would be impossible. I also had no time exploring more about Ikebana not until I received Japanese Ikebana for Every Season by Rie Imai and Yuji Ueno from Tuttle Publishing.  This book made me realize that Ikebana wasn’t complicated and I could do it even without a kenzan pin on hand, that any material and plant available in my home and garden can be used to create a pretty arrangement.

There are so many reasons why I am thankful to have this book. It makes me very happy because now I can relive my passion for Ikebana and my creations can make our home beautiful. Reading and applying the knowledge that I get from it can definitely relieves stress. It helps me connect with nature with the use of my hands.

It’s hard bound with flaps, the pages are colorful and glossy, and a total page-turner. Even my 11 year old son gets engaged whenever he flips its pages. The authors are able to explain everything in detail that makes me learn things that I haven’t learned from my Ikebana class- various water absorption, cutting, stabilizing, bending, shaping, trimming, and maintenance techniques; finding the right containers; principle of Japanese floral design; practical design tips; the authors personal approach to this art; and many more.

I also like the idea that in this book, the Ikebana ideas are grouped into four seasons that are further grouped into different occasions. I can never get out of ideas due to its 50+ visually appealing, easy to follow, detailed arrangements. Photographer, Noboru Murata, has captured each arrangement's serene natural beauty.

I tell you, even an amateur like me can do them all and even incorporate my own ideas and use substitute materials, plants or flowers in every arrangement found in the book. 

It encourages the readers that anything can be modified based on what’s available at the moment, and buying expensive flowers or plants from your favorite florists and looking for fancy containers are not always needed. This book promotes simplicity, minimalism, frugality, and creativity.

I feel like a pro after reading this book and keeping it on hand. It’s like I have attended an extensive Ikebana workshop. Like in any endeavor, “Practice makes perfect” and I am not going to stop until the knowledge that I’ve gained from this book becomes permanent. 

I highly recommend this book to all professionals and beginners in flower arrangement, not necessarily Ikebana enthusiasts alone, because this can level up your skills especially if you are in the events or catering business where table or venue setting is a must or if you simply like to have a lovely home and you want your guests to have their eyes feast whenever you invite them or just doing it for your own pleasure.

I would like to show you some photos on how I incorporated my own designs using the ideas shown found in the book:

Creature from the Wild, Aloe Stretches Out Its Tentacles (pages 82-83)

I have no Aloe here at home so I've used a different plant that resembles its look. 

Glossy Green Leaves Gathered Indoors (pages 80-81)

Instead of Fatsia Japonica, Rasberry, and Clematis, I used Rio Discolor.

Mother's Day Memories, The Warmth of Soft Poppies

Any flower that resembles poppies can be used on this arrangement. 

Daffodils and Vines (page 35)

Substitute Plant: Pothos

Glory Lilies Immersed in a Glass Cyliner (pages 76-77)

Substitute Plant: Pothos

As you can see, there's a fish inside the cyliner. Pothos becomes its source of oxygen.

If you wish to have a copy, it can be purchased here in the Philippines via National Book Store (SM Mega Mall, SM North Edsa, SM Mall of Asia, and Robinsons Galleria), Fully Booked The Fort, and Fully Booked Rockwell. You may also buy it online at www.tuttlepublishing.com and it's currently on sale at US $17.47 from it's original price of US $24.95. Tuttle Publishing offers free shipping for items worth $35.00 (US $) and above. Aside from this book, there are a lot of interesting books available on the website.