On July 31, 2015, eight international students participated in the Ikebana (Japanese flower arrangement) trial lesson held by YNU International Strategy Faculty, at International Student Center.

First, Shinomiya Kazuko Sensei (KSGG, Kanagawa Systematized Goodwill Guide Club), an Ikenobo instructor, gave a lecture on Ikebana history and its basic rules. Some students first showed a puzzled look on their face, hearing unfamiliar terms such as Shin, Soe and Tai. They were, though, able to gain a better understanding of Ikebana, through Shinomiya Sensei’s demonstration. They also seemed to learn something important from her sincere attitude towards Ikebana, dressed up in Kimono.

Late in the lesson, the students finally had the chance to do Ikebana on their own. Enkianthus perulatus, Easter lily -- some students gingerly started cutting the branches, but they gradually enjoyed Ikebana at their own pace, encouraged by Shinomiya Sensei’s words, “trust your intuition!” Some looked inspired through conversation with Sensei and friends. After much trial and error, all looked satisfied with their Ikebana work, and each of them realized what Shinomiya Sensei said: “Ikebana is an art.”

The Ikebana trial lesson has been popular among international students. This mid-summer session, again, was closed with its reputation, and many enjoyed appreciating a variety of summer Ikebana and could feel a rush of cool air.