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DUBAI: Young Emirati, Ms Alia AlRasheed, becomes the first Emirati national in Dubai to receive certification as Ikebana Instructor from the Ohara School of Ikebana, Japan.
Ikebana, also known in Japanese as kadō or “the way of the flower”, is one of the practices considered to be a Japanese “dō”, meaning “path” or “way of living”. The history of Ikebana dates back 600 years and focuses on simplicity, asymmetrical beauty and seasonal materials. The emphasis on the Japanese aesthetic of “empty” space distinguishes Ikebana from flower arranging as practised in other parts of the world.
Ms AlRasheed started as a student at the Ohara School of Ikebana, UAE chapter, in 2017, and by 2024 she became a qualified Ikebana instructor. Certification as Ikebana Instructor is the first step on a path that can eventually lead to the highest recognition possible, that of First Master of Ikebana. In 2021, Ms Amani Alshehhi from Abu Dhabi became the first UAE national to achieve certification as Ikebana Instructor. The chapter is led by Ms. Harue Ohki from the Ohara School of Ikebana Japan and holds classes in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
On October 21st, H.E. Jun Imanishi, the Consul General of Japan in Dubai congratulated Alrasheed on her achievement and hosted a workshop by Ms. AlRasheed by inviting members of Japan Club of Zayed University in Dubai to official residence. A total of 16 Japan Club members who are highly interested in modern & traditional Japanese culture experienced Ikebana under the instruction of Ms. AlRasheed. H.E. Imanishi, a Sogetsu certified instructor who has been involved in Ikebana for more than 15 years, commented “I am grateful to welcome both an Emirati Ikebana instructor and Emirati students in this Ikebana workshop. I would be honored if this Ikebana event could be an opportunity for them to experience the joy of expressing themselves through flowers and deepen their understanding of Japanese culture. Ikebana truly strengthens the relationship between Japan and Dubai.”
Talking about her learning journey through Ikebana, Ms. AlRasheed said, “I’ve come to appreciate how simplicity, form, line, and space combine to create static yet deeply appealing arrangements. Each composition holds a sense of stillness and balance and has the power to draw people in with its understated beauty and meaning. What really captivated me is the school’s focus on seasonality and themes, which sparked my curiosity to explore more about Japanese culture.” Her learning journey expanded further in 2018, when she had the opportunity to assist with the Ikebana workshop for the Children’s Summer Camp organized by the Sharjah Children Center in the UAE Then in 2021, she contributed to the Japan Pavilion at Expo 2020 by creating Ikebana arrangements for the VIP entrance and rooms. She also supported the collaboration of the Chado Urasenke Tankoukai Abu Dhabi Association for a Chado x Kado (Tea Ceremony and Ikebana) workshop in Abu Dhabi, further enriching her understanding of Japanese culture and values.
Japan hosts Expo 2025 ln Osaka, Kansai, Japan which take place from April 13 to October 13, 2025. This event aims to showcase advancements in technology and promote international collaboration. “Japan is a fascinating blend of cutting-edge technology and rich cultural heritage, nature and landscape”, says Ms.AlRasheed, “I would love to visit Expo 2025 to deepen my understanding of Japanese culture”.
