The Wafu School of Ikebana - from Japan to California

The Wafu School of Ikebana, a major school in Japan, was founded by the late Mr. Wafu Teshigahara in the early 20th century. The school has many chapters in other countries, including a large and active chapter in California.

The design philosophy of the Wafu School emphasizes the natural beauty of plant materials, as well as the harmony between the flowers, vase, and environment in which the arrangement is placed. A Wafu-style flower arrangement embodies the elegance, creativity, and mysticism found in nature. Further, the guidance given by the Wafu School, while respecting the artistic sense of the individual arranger, gives clear and accurate instructions on techniques, preparing the next generation of ikebana artists.

The founder of the Wafu School of Ikebana, grandfather of the current headmaster, established the Japan Ikebana Academy in 1912, during the Meiji Era. He created his own teaching method in Japanese flower arrangement, making the art of ikebana more understandable and accessible to more students.

In the Showa Era (1931 to 1991), the second generation headmaster, father of the current headmaster, introduced a more relaxed and individualistic style of ikebana, which was suitable for display in the home. He promoted his unique philosophy of ikebana art throughout Japan, the United States, Europe, China, and South America. He was tireless in making demonstrations around the world, which exemplified his deeply felt belief that through the art of ikebana individuals could find peace and understanding. And if individuals understood each other, then nations as well could have harmony between themselves. This philosophy permeated all of Mr. Wafu's demonstrations, including those at such prestigious organizations as the United Nations.

The current headmaster is the third generation of the Wafu family to lead this school of ikebana. He was born in 1949, and studied ikebana under his father from an early age until 1992, when he succeeded his father as headmaster. The third headmaster continues his late father's spirit and principles in his teaching, giving lectures and demonstrations throughout Japan and the world. The school's future, when the headmaster's daughter will lead the school, is already being prepared.

In 1971, a protégé of the second-generation headmaster, Fusako Seigo Hoyrup, established the California chapter of the Wafu School of Ikebana, called the Wafukai Ikebana Society. Under her enthusiastic and tireless leadership, the chapter today has more than 250 members and several active instructors bringing the exquisite beauty of Wafu ikebana to the San Francisco Bay Area. The chapter's popular and well-respected biennial flower shows in Silicon Valley attract thousands of visitors. Chapter members also participate in the activities of Ikebana International's Bay Area Chapter to help promote appreciation of ikebana and to bridge people and cultures.