Ikebana Newsletter Melbourne
July 2026
1. Events Calendar
- 18 July 2026 - Ikebana Introduction Workshop
- 15 August 2026 - Ikebana Introduction Workshop
- 27–28 August 2026 – Ikebana Therapy Guide Certification Training Course
- 29–30 August 2026 – Melbourne Ikebana Festival
- 29 August 2026 – Ikebana Performance with Jessica Aszodi
- 1 September 2026 - Ikebana Battle at Beleura House
2. Melbourne Ikebana Festival, 29 & 30 August
Hilights
- Certified Ikebana Therapy Guide Course
- Distilling Nature: Jessica Azodi, Shoso Shimbo & Yen Huynh (Melbourne Recital Centre)
- Ikebana Battle with Canapes & Drinks (Beleura House & Garden)
International Ikebana Exhibition, Bridal Ikebana Bouquet Award,
Ikebana Demonstrations, Ikebana Conference (Professor Emeritus Niikawa, Doshisha University, Kyoto), Ikebana Vase Exhibition (Hiroe Swen Award), Ikebana Workshops (Including beginner classes, men’s classes, and Japanese-language sessions) and more.
Volunteers Wanted
Join our creative team! We welcome not only ikebana practitioners, but also those interested in Japanese culture, event management, or marketing.
3. Ikebana Galllery Award 2026
Post your work to be selected for the international students awards. Free entry. https://ikebanaresearch.blogspot.com/2026/06/ikebana-gallery-award-2026.html
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2500418453808529/
4. Class Dates – Term 2, 2026 (Certificate Courses)
Please note: Class dates may be subject to change. Join our mailing list for updates.
Fee: $200 for 8 sessions
Enrolment: New students are welcome at any time.
Wednesday Class (1:00–2:30 pm)
3, 10, 17, 24 June
15, 22, 29 July
5 August
Wednesday Class (7:00–8:30 pm)
3, 10, 17, 24 June
15, 22, 29 July
5 August
Saturday Class (10:00–11:30 am)
23, 30 May
6, 13, 20 June
18, 25 July
1 August
5. Class Dates – Term 3, 2026 (Certificate Courses)
Enrolment: New students are welcome at any time.
Wednesday Class (1:00–2:30 pm)
12, 19 August
9, 16 September
7, 14, 21, 28 October
Wednesday Class (7:00–8:30 pm)
12, 19 August
9, 16 September
7, 14, 21, 28 October
Saturday Class (10:00–11:30 am)
8, 15, 22 August
5, 12, September
10, 16, 24, October
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
7. Online Ikebana Lessons - Zoom Ikebana Dojo
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).
1000 Ikebana Challenge
Create one ikebana work per day for 1000 days.
Newly revised conditions designed to foster genuine, personal transformation.
8. New Bank Account Details
Account Name: Tsubo Melbourne Pty Ltd
BSB: 033070
Account Number: 527917
9. Ikebana in Schools
Shoso and his associates have launched a project to promote ikebana to Australian students.
More information: http://bit.ly/Ikebana-School
10. Ikebana for Your Shop or Office?
Elevate your shop or office ambience with fresh ikebana arrangements.
Shoso and his skilled team create bespoke floral works tailored to your space.
11. Looking for an Ikebana Class Near You?
Visit the directory:
https://www.ikebanafestival.com/directory
12. 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
13. Recent Publications
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
14. Shoso Featured in the Media
- ABC Radio – Interview on Shinto with Suzanne Hill on Nightlife (28 September 2025)
- ABC Gardening Australia
15. News
The team from the Melbourne Ikebana Festival achieved outstanding success at the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show (MIFGS 2026). Director Shoan Lo was awarded first place, while CEO Shoso Shimbo secured second place in the Botanical Moments division—one of the most prestigious categories in the show’s floral art competition. About Shoso's Work: https://www.shoso.com.au/2026/03/shoso-at-mifgs-2026.html
Dr Shoso Shimbo
0439 314 097
Murrumbeena, Melbourne
shososhimbo@gmail.com
www.shoso.com.au
Facebook: ikebanaaustralia
Instagram: @shoso_shimbo
