The 98th All Japan Ikebana Competition in Fukuoka | Exhibition Report by Oraqua Tokyo
- いけばな教室 おおら花
- Nov 16
- 4 min read
Ikebana / Japanese Flower Arrangement Exhibition Report
Ikebana exhibitions held in Tokyo and across Japan are important stages where artists from different schools present the results of their continuous practice and study. Simply viewing an ikebana work allows you to feel the intention, technique, and energy behind each creation.
As an Ikebana artist of the Ryusei-ha School, I regularly participate in and observe various flower exhibitions. Through these experiences, I study spatial composition, plant materials, the approach of each school, and the diversity of aesthetic interpretations.
This report is written for those who are currently learning ikebana, as well as beginners interested in starting Japanese flower arrangement.
In this article, I will share the highlights, structure, and insights gained from the 98th All Japan Ikebana Competition – Western Japan Division, organized by the Teikoku Kadōin Kyushu Federation.
The 98th All Japan Ikebana Competition – Western Japan Division 2025
The All Japan Ikebana Competition is a nationwide event open to all ikebana practitioners, regardless of experience level.
The Western Japan Division in Fukuoka is one of the most established regional competitions, and this year marks its 98th anniversary.
I previously competed in the Tokyo Division of this competition, so I had a strong interest in attending the Fukuoka exhibition as well. After hearing from friends that the event was approaching, I immediately booked a flight to see it in person.
Landing at Fukuoka Airport — known for being located right inside the city — was an impressive experience itself. Within 15 minutes after arrival, I reached the exhibition venue in central Hakata. This quick access made the entire ikebana trip memorable.
Venue & Event Overview
The competition was held at Kushida Shrine, one of Fukuoka’s most historically significant shrines and well-known for the Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival.
Within this sacred shrine precinct, ikebana artists from across Japan presented their works.
Organizer: Teikoku Kadōin Kyushu Federation
Exhibition Dates: September 21–24, 2025
First half (21–22): Competition works
Second half (23–24): Display rotation
There are three categories participants can enter:
Free-style Ikebana
Designated Materials Section
Traditional Form
Students, licensed teachers, and professional artists all take part — making it a unique opportunity to witness the current landscape of Japanese ikebana.
Prestigious Awards
This competition is known for its highly respected awards, including:
Ikebana Grand Prize
Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award
Fukuoka Governor’s Award
Fukuoka Mayor’s Award
Board of Education Awards
Teikoku Kadōin Director’s Award
RKB Mainichi Broadcasting Award
Fukuoka Cultural Federation Award
…plus Excellence and Encouragement Prizes
For ikebana practitioners, it is one of the highest-level stages to present their work.
Powerful Ikebana Works Filling the Venue
The moment I entered the first-day venue, the overwhelming power of plants immediately caught my attention.
Large logs, driftwood, and bold structures were used throughout the works, each occupying space with a strong presence.
Standing before these pieces, you could feel how each artist sought to draw out the inherent power of the materials.
Materials included:Camellia, Juniper, Willow, Orchid, Chrysanthemum, Celosia, Driftwood, Bamboo, and various berries and branches.
Although the season was still warm early autumn, many works reflected seasonal transitions.Both traditional and free-style pieces clearly showed the individuality of each school.
Across the entire venue, one common theme stood out:“Using each material to its maximum potential.”
The Refined Beauty of Traditional Ikebana
The classical category presented a completely different atmosphere.
Forms and lines were refined to the highest precision, expressing an elegant dignity rather than boldness.
The artist’s concentration and discipline were visible in each structured line and balanced shape.
Seeing the contrast between the dynamic free-style works and the refined classical works in one venue made this competition exceptionally engaging.
Kushida Shrine – A Special Setting
The exhibition extended throughout the shrine grounds, naturally drawing visitors who came to pray or sightseeing.
Through this, I was reminded that ikebana is truly “an art rooted in everyday life” — not only displayed in galleries, but also harmonizing within historical and sacred spaces.
Connections & Gratitude
During this trip, I received generous support from members of the Sosshin-ryu Ikebana School, who helped with material preparation and made my stay comfortable.
Their kindness made me realize again that ikebana is a cultural art supported not only by technique, but also by human connection.
I express my deepest gratitude for their hospitality.
Evening in Fukuoka
In the evening, I enjoyed local Hakata cuisine and reflected on the day’s works.
Every piece expressed the artist’s intention through how the materials were activated.
The vitality of the plant materials in Fukuoka felt connected to the spirit and character of the city itself.
Actually, I Also Competed This Time
In fact, I myself entered the competition this year as a Ryusei-ha artist.
I participated in the Designated Materials Section, creating a work using Enkōsugi (a type of cedar), focusing on tying and binding techniques to explore structural expression.
Although I did not receive an award, the experience taught me a great deal.
Traveling from Tokyo and participating in a new region brought many lessons and meaningful encounters.
I am sincerely thankful for the support I received from everyone in Fukuoka.
Competitions reveal things that everyday practice does not — including pressure, clarity of intention, and the value of seeing other schools’ works up close.
Ikebana is not simply competition; it is a place where artists elevate each other through flowers.
About “Oraqua – Ikebana Studio Tokyo”
I run Oraqua, an ikebana studio located in Nihonbashi, Tokyo.
We offer:
beginner trial lessons
regular classes
teacher certification
support for aspiring ikebana artists
Travelers visiting Tokyo are also welcome to join — many participants take the lesson during their sightseeing schedule.
From Tokyo Nihonbashi, I aim to share Japan’s traditional flower culture with people around the world.
Related Articles
Summary
Attended the 98th All Japan Ikebana Competition (Western Japan Division)
Dynamic free-style works and elegant classical forms
Exhibition held at the historic Kushida Shrine
Felt the passion and discipline of ikebana artists
Cultural connections supported the entire experience
Looking forward to future competitions and sharing these insights with my students at Oraqua in Tokyo
Comments