Ikebana is an art form that touches the essence of the Japanese love of nature, serenity, and perfection. Its beauty is found in asymmetrical balance, harmony of proportion and color, and dynamic composition. The spirit of this art form is how it creates powerful links between humanity and nature.

Flower arrangement is a living thing. Plants and flowers are transformed by human hands into compositions that enhance nature, that amplify and restate their beauty, allowing us to appreciate nature’s bounty in ways that give us constant pleasure and resonate into our lives.

More than half a century ago, Ikebana International was founded by people whose vision and dedicated love for the traditional Japanese art of ikebana was a force that served to spread ikebana throughout the world. Today we have inherited their desire for mutual understanding between nations, reciprocal respect, and friendship. Learning and teaching ikebana brings in contact with the deep spirit of nature as well as with the needs and interests of other people. As reflected in our motto, “Friendship through Flowers,” we are striving to strengthen friendships and to build a better living place on the earth for this and future generations.

Ikebana International members are living and actively promoting the art of ikebana throughout the world. We belong to many nationalities, but through our common involvement in and love of ikebana and other traditional Japanese art forms, we are united beyond borders and time.

Ikebana International is composed of different schools of ikebana. Each of the numerous ikebana schools has its unique approach to and philosophy of this art of flower arranging. And even within one school, different approaches are seen. Some members stress classic styles, others focus on contemporary forms, and some blend them. At Ikebana International meetings, there is a stimulating interaction and sharing of various schools' inspirations, styles, philosophy, history, techniques, and other points of difference and common interest.

In friendship through flowers,
Wienczyslawa Sato