Arab News Japan
DUBAI: Young Emirati woman Alia AlRasheed became the first UAE national in Dubai to receive certification as an Ikebana instructor from the Ohara School of Ikebana, Japan.
On Oct. 21, the Japan Consul-General in Dubai IMANISHI Jun congratulated AlRasheed on her achievement and hosted a workshop led by her at his official residence.
A total of 16 Japan Club members who are highly interested in modern and traditional Japanese culture experienced Ikebana under the instruction of AlRasheed.
Imanishi, a Sogetsu certified instructor who has been involved in Ikebana for more than 15 years, said: “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.”
Speaking about her learning journey through Ikebana, AlRasheed explained: “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,” she added.
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.
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.
Japan will host Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai, which will take place from April 13 to Oct. 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,” AlRasheed said. “I would love to visit Expo 2025 to deepen my understanding of Japanese culture.”