The Sogetsu School of Ikebana celebrates its 100th anniversary.

Next year marks exactly one century since the spring of 1927, when Sofu Teshigahara hung up a sign reading “Sogetsu School Iemoto: Instructor of Nageire and Moribana” in Aoyama Takagicho, Tokyo. In the beginning, without a single student, Sofu immersed himself in the study of ikebana through trial and error. What sustained him was his unwavering belief in pursuing a newer, freer form of ikebana. Since then, as the leadership passed from Sofu to Kasumi, then Hiroshi, and now to Akane, Sogetsu has navigated the changing tides of history, involved in communities, and expanded its vision throughout the world, bringing us to where we stand today.

As we progress towards this milestone, I am deeply moved by joy, knowing that we could never have come this far without the dedication of everyone who has supported Sogetsu.

My thoughts now turn to the next 100 years. I can clearly visualise Sogetsu vibrantly thriving in its second century future. No matter how much the times may change, ikebana remains an art form that can only be brought to life by human hands. As long as the steadfast spirit of humanity continues, the joy of creating ikebana will always be alive.

With Sofu’s words, “Flowers become human in ikebana” deeply engraved in my mind, I reflect upon the past century while looking forward to beginning the next 100 years with intense revitalisation.

Akane Teshigahara
Iemoto of the Sogetsu School