HANAIKU 花育 is a Japanese word that literally means flower education. What is the goals? How does it work?
Would you like to see your kids smiling with a small flower arrangement they created? They look happy and proud of themselves. This is one of the most popular programs of MOTOKO JAPAN. I cannot forget the smiles of participants of Ikebana for adults and Hanaiku for kids viewing their ikebana.
HANAIKU is an online education program that anyone can join, especially for kids. It allows kids to learn about Ikebana with a few Japanese and make an Ikebana-style flower arrangement. Hanaiku is a program. Through the activity, they can experience and learn something they have never known. The goals of this program are for kids to foster a sense of appreciation for life and beauty, and at the same time, self-esteem as well.
We all live facing the panel and screen of electric devices. Let’s pause. Let’s stimulate our artistic side to enrich our minds. Explore something new. Meet a new you. See a new side of your kids.
花 Hana means flowers, in Ikebana including buds, leaves, branches, and twigs in Japanese.
育 Iku means to foster, to grow, to educate
You may think just making flower arrangement but there will be more in it. I have had Ikebana workshops and demonstrations here in the U.S. since 2012 over 3,000 people from kids to elders. I still clearly joy when one elder woman in hospice titled her ikebana “Celebration of Life.” after a workshop.
This program is under the sponorship of the Consulate-General of Japan in Houston.
During June, an incredible price is offered $10 as an early bird price.. In an online program, participants prepare some flowers. Just grab a small bouquet at a grocery store! You can use anything as a vase-like a glass. we won’t make a big one. This is a group lesson.
If you would like to apply or have any questions please send a DM via Instagram, Facebook, or message to motoko@motokojapaneseculture. I will send you the details in 24 hours. Thank you!
$10 per person. WOW! Send a message Seat is limited to each time, I will update every day.
June 4 Friday 11:00-12:00 14:00-15:00
June 5 Saturday 11:00-12:00 14:00-15:00
June 10 Thursday 11:00 -12:00 14:00-15:00 To Japan 20:00-21:00
June 11 Friday 11:00-12:00 14:00-15:00 To Japan in Japanese 20:00 21:00
June 24 Friday 11:00-12:00 14:00-15:00 To Japan in Japanese 20:00-21:00
July 1 Thursday 11:00-12:00 14:00-15:00
Hanaiku 花育 enables you to discover hidden talents and sides of your kids which you have never noticed, Your kids are also surprised to see their beautiful creations with smiles and pride. The idea of HANAIKU originated in Japan as SHOKUIKU 食育and RINIKU 林育 from activities to foster kids’ healthy growth physically and mentally.
You will be amazed to see what a great artist your kids are!
Who is Motoko? What Is HANAIKU? They say…
Elaine Browning, Dallas
(JASDFW Board member, former President)
Last summer I participated in Motoko Ishihara’s Hanaiku workshop through the Japan-America
Society of Dallas/Fort Worth. So often when we think of ikebana, we think of strict rules,
precise angles, and hidebound tradition. But Motoko’s approach highlights the beauty of the
flowers themselves, so our hearts are engaged along with our hands.
In easy-to-follow lessons, she combines practical step-by-step instructions with age-appropriate
commentary on ikebana’s history and floral symbolism. These lessons are fun for all ages but
will be particularly engaging for children. Hanaiku is truly hands-on, learning by doing at its
best!
Motoko explains the materials – usually household items that are readily available – to prepare
for the lesson ahead of time and then demonstrates how to construct a beautiful flower
arrangement. It’s simple, fun, educational, and restful – and in the end, we have something lovely
and meaningful that we created ourselves and can enjoy for days.
Elaine Browning, Dallas
With her extensive knowledge of traditional Japanese arts as well as her experience as a middle
school teacher, she can also tailor and expand lessons to include Japanese vocabulary, and
insights into the history and philosophy of ikebana.
Yoji Murakami Principle of Japanese School of Cambodia, former principle of Dusseldorf, former Principle of Dallas Japanese School
石原意子先生に捧ぐ
意子先生は、私がダラス補習校に校長として赴任した年に、国際部Ⅳ（中学校の学年相当）の
学級担任をされて以来のお付き合いです。国際部はその年に産声を上げた新しい学級でした。
先生はその卓越した指導力と持ち前の人間性で、生徒はもちろん保護者の皆さんの信頼も得て
補習校の中に国際部Ⅳを定着されました。私は、校舎内巡回の折によくこの国際部Ⅳを訪問し
ました。それは、この学級にこそ今の日本が一番存在していたからです。そこに居る生徒は、
全員がほぼアメリカの生活や学校で育っています。その子どもたちが週に一回、土曜日の午前
中にだけ日本の学習や文化を求めて来ていました。「言うは易く行うは難し」で、この子ども
たちに「日本」を感じ取らせ、理解させることは容易ではなかったと思いますが、意子先生は
自らが今まで培ってきた華道や茶道や着付けの経験を活かして、授業の随所に取り入れて「体
験さながら学ぶ」生徒の学びを定着させられていました。私はその様子を拝見するのがとても
楽しみで毎週「今日はどんなことをして生徒を惹きつけているのだろう」わくわくして教室に
向かっていました。
今こうして意子先生と離れてみて感じることは「あの頃の国際部Ⅳの子どもたちは幸せだった
だろうな」です。この度、先生が「オンライン花育」を立ち上げられたとお聞きし、このコロ
ナ禍でも一人でも多くの人に日本の伝統文化である「生け花」を通して、この幸せをあまねく広げられようとしている姿勢に共感を覚える一人です。