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Ikebana Newsletter Melbourne

March 2026


1. Events Calendar


2. Class Dates – Term 1, 2026 (Certificate Courses)

Fee: $200 for 8 sessions
Enrolment: New students are welcome at any time.

Wednesday Class (1:00–2:30 pm)

28 January
4, 11, 18, 25 February
4, 11, 18 March

Wednesday Class (7:00–8:30 pm)

28 January
4, 11, 18, 25 February
4, 11, 18 March

Saturday Class (10:00–11:30 am)

31 January
7, 14, 21, 28 February
7, 14, 21 March

Please note: Class dates may be subject to change. Join our mailing list for updates.

Term 2 begins May 2026.


3. Ikebana Introductory Class

A one-hour, all-inclusive ikebana workshop designed for beginners.

Bring your friends or family and experience the beauty of Japanese floral art together.

Fee: $60 per person
Venues: Murrumbeena or North Balwyn


4. Online Ikebana Lessons – Enrol Now

Monthly Ikebana Challenge

Join our facilitator each month on Zoom and receive personalised feedback on your ikebana creations.

Ikebana Aesthetics Program

Learn the 4 Ikebana Principles and 4 Ikebana Elements over one year (24 sessions).
New term begins May 2026.

1000 Ikebana Challenge

Create one ikebana work per day for 1000 days.
Newly revised conditions designed to foster genuine, personal transformation.


5. New Bank Account Details

Account Name: Tsubo Melbourne Pty Ltd
BSB: 033070
Account Number: 527917


6. Ikebana in Schools

Shoso and his associates have launched a project to promote ikebana to Australian students.
More information: http://bit.ly/Ikebana-School


7. Ikebana for Your Shop or Office?

Introductory Offer – 50% Off

Elevate your shop or office ambience with fresh ikebana arrangements.
Shoso and his skilled team create bespoke floral works tailored to your space.

Enquiries: shososhimbo@gmail.com


8. Looking for an Ikebana Class Near You?

Visit the directory:
https://www.ikebanafestival.com/directory


9. Hanadayori: Online Exhibition, Photo Book & Perfumes

Hanadayori is a signature online event of the Melbourne Ikebana Festival.

Latest updates:
https://www.ikebanafestival.com/hanadayori-2025/hanadayori-2025-updates-10-october-2025

Previous editions:

  • Hanadayori 2023
  • Hanadayori 2021


10. Recent Publications

Shoso’s Latest Publication

Shimbo, S. (2026). Environmental Art: Ikebana Meets Contemporary Art. In L.A. Joubert (Ed.), Craft—Tradition and Invention, Vol. 40. Springer, Singapore.
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-95-0485-5_19

Additional Publications

2025a. (with K. Thode, A. Lo, S. Healey, B. Walker & C. While)
The mindfulness potential of ikebana: A study on senior well-being.
International Journal of Ikebana Studies, 12, 1–30.

2025b.
Ikebana as the Way of Flowers (Translation).
International Journal of Ikebana Studies, 12, 61–64.

2024a.
The Way of Ikebana (Translation), from “Hana ni ikiru hitotachi e” (1967) by Suido Yamane.
International Journal of Ikebana Studies, 11, 31–34.


11. Shoso Featured in the Media

  • ABC Radio – Interview on Shinto with Suzanne Hill on Nightlife (28 September 2025)
  • ABC News
  • ABC Gardening Australia


12. Wa: Melbourne Ikebana Festival

29–30 August 2026

The festival presents ikebana not only as a traditional Japanese art form, but also as environmental art, a contemplative practice, and a contemporary creative expression—opening new pathways for engagement in modern society.

News Highlights

1. International Guests
We are honoured to welcome Dr Hamasaki and Professor Niikawa, internationally recognised leaders in Ikebana Therapy.
They will personally lead the Ikebana Therapy Guide Certification Training Course — marking the first time this prestigious certification has been offered outside Japan.

2. International Participation
More than 10 ikebana artists from the Japan Ikebana Therapy Association will join the Wa Exhibition.

3. Special Performance
Shoso Shimbo presents a captivating ikebana performance in collaboration with Jessica Aszodi.

Volunteers Wanted

Join our creative team! We welcome not only ikebana practitioners, but also those interested in Japanese culture, event management, or marketing.



Dr Shoso Shimbo
0439 314 097
Murrumbeena, Melbourne

shososhimbo@gmail.com
www.shoso.com.au
Facebook: ikebanaaustralia
Instagram: @shoso_shimbo

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