🌸 Before You Meet: Preparation Matters

Dress neatly and simply. Clean, comfortable clothing is fine—there's no need for formalwear—but avoid overly bright colors, large logos, or strong perfumes. Japanese cultural aesthetics often favor subtlety.

If you’re bringing a small gift (even a note or local treat), present it with both hands and say something like:

• “This is a small token of appreciation.”
  → Japanese: ささやかですが、どうぞ (Sasayaka desu ga, douzo)
  → Sounds like: sah-sah-yah-kah dess gah, doh-zoh

Remember, it's likely the Sensei will be taking this on an airplane, perhaps even out of the country, so be mindful of size and what might not be allowed through customers (i.e., no live plants, fresh fruits, etc.).

🙇‍♀️ First Impressions: Greeting the Teacher

A warm smile and a small bow go a long way.

What to say when you meet them for the first time:

• “It’s an honor to meet you.”
  → Japanese: お会いできて光栄です (Oai dekite kouei desu)
  → Sounds like: oh-eye deh-kee-teh koh-eh dess
  ‍
• “Thank you for coming all this way.”
  → Japanese: 遠くから来てくださってありがとうございます (Tōku kara kite kudasatte arigatou gozaimasu)
  → Sounds like: toh-koo kah-rah kee-teh koo-dah-sa-teh ah-ree-gah-toh go-zai-mas

If you’ve met the teacher before but aren’t sure if they’ll remember you, you might say:

• “It’s so nice to see you again.”
  → Japanese: またお会いできてうれしいです (Mata oai dekite ureshii desu)
  → Sounds like: mah-tah oh-eye deh-kee-teh oo-reh-she dess

🪷 During the Lesson or Demonstration

Be attentive, quiet, and observant. Avoid interrupting or speaking while the teacher is arranging or explaining. Taking notes or sketching is considered a respectful way to engage.

If you're receiving individual feedback:

• Try to listen without explaining or defending your work.
• Afterward, simply say:
  → “Thank you for your guidance.”
  → Japanese: ご指導ありがとうございます (Goshidou arigatou gozaimasu)
  → Sounds like: goh-shee-doh ah-ree-gah-toh go-zai-mas

💬 After the Lesson or Demo: Expressing Appreciation

It’s completely appropriate, and appreciated, to offer a simple, sincere compliment after a demonstration or class.

Suggested phrases:

• “Your arrangement was beautiful.”
  → Japanese: とても美しかったです (Totemo utsukushikatta desu)
  → Sounds like: toh-teh-moh oot-soo-koo-shee-kah-tah dess
  ‍
• “I learned so much today.”
  → Japanese: 今日はたくさん学びました (Kyou wa takusan manabimashita)
  → Sounds like: kyoh wah tah-koo-sahn mah-nah-bee-mah-shee-tah

Avoid exaggerated praise or humor. It can feel insincere. A calm, grateful tone is best.

‍

🤝 Saying Goodbye

As the lesson or demonstration concludes:

• Offer a small bow and say:
  → “Thank you very much.”
  → Japanese: ありがとうございました (Arigatou gozaimashita)
  → Sounds like: ah-ree-gah-toh go-zai-mash-tah
  ‍
• If you want to express your desire to study again:
  → “I hope I can learn from you again.”
  → Japanese: またご指導いただけたら嬉しいです (Mata goshidou itadaketara ureshii desu)
  → Sounds like: mah-tah go-shee-doh ee-tah-dah-keh-tah-rah oo-reh-she dess

🌿 Cultural Notes for the Curious

If you’re interested in exploring the deeper values behind Japanese aesthetics and communication, we recommend this reflective post:
🔗 Exploring Cultural Aesthetics: A Summary of In Praise of Shadows

🙏 Final Thought

Meeting a guest teacher is a special moment. It’s not about impressing them with perfect arrangements or perfect language. It’s about showing respect, presence, and gratitude.

A sincere smile, a thoughtful bow, and a simple “thank you” are more than enough to leave a lasting impression.

For more guidance on general class behavior and workshop etiquette, you can also revisit this post.

I hope this guide helps you feel more confident and connected.

Joe Rotella
‍‍Associate Second Term Master
‍‍Ohara School of Ikebana‍