Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime event as the Central Ohio Shibui Ohara Study Group proudly hosts Kamo-Sensei for an all-day workshop at the Yokoso Center on Saturday, August 9. Kamo-Sensei is visiting Ohio on vacation and has graciously offered to give this workshop. This rare opportunity to learn from Kamo-Sensei, an Assistant Professor of the Council of Ohara Professors, includes two immersive lessons and a catered bento box lunch from Tensuke Market. Don’t miss out on this exclusive chance to enhance your Ikebana skills with guidance from one of the foremost experts in the field. Click the arrow in the lower right of the photo to see additional photos.
10:00 - 10:30 AM: Doors open. Participants arrive and prepare their work area.
10:30 - 11:00 AM: Welcome message, etiquette reminders, and introduction of Kamo-Sensei (Joe Rotella).
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Lesson #1 – Moribana Kansui-kei (Water-Reflecting Style Moribana) (Kamo-Sensei)
1:00 - 2:00 PM: Lunch catered by Tensuke Market. Choose between a mixed bento box or a vegetarian bento box, with assorted drinks provided.
2:00 - 4:00 PM: Lesson #2 – Heika Chokuritsu-kei (Upright Style Heika) (Kamo-Sensei).
4:00 - 4:30 PM: Concluding remarks (Joe Rotella).
Time: The workshop begins promptly at 10:30 AM. Please arrive by 10:00 AM to set up and be ready to start on time. The workshop concludes at 4:30 PM, followed by cleanup. Your assistance in tidying up the room is greatly appreciated. We need to leave the room in pristine condition by 5:00 PM.
Place: Yokoso Center, 1175 Old Henderson Rd, Columbus, Ohio 43220.
-Flower scissors
-Hand towel.
-Paper and pen (for note-taking).
-Small bucket (to carry your flowers home)
-Moribana and Heika containers, one double-ring shippo and one triple-ring shippo. Need a container or shippo? No problem - loaners will be available! Don’t let equipment hold you back from this extraordinary workshop.
After registration closes, you’ll be asked to select one of three bento options:
Lesson #1: Moribana Kansui-kei (Water-Reflecting Style Moribana)
This poetic style emphasizes reflection and openness. In Kansui-kei, the Shu-shi (main stem) slants forward, casting its shadow across the water's surface. Arranged in a basic Ohara-style suiban container using both double-ring and triple-ring shippo, this lesson invites participants to explore the balance of form, space, and water in traditional Ohara Moribana.
Lesson #2: Heika Chokuritsu-kei (Upright Style Heika)
Heika arrangements are composed in tall vases using tome (stay) techniques—no kenzans. Chokuritsu-kei reflects dignified vertical movement and structural clarity. While Moribana represents the Ohara School’s innovation, Heika connects us to the roots of ikebana history. You’ll create your arrangement in a tall vase using advanced Ohara techniques.
These lessons are limited to 20 students to ensure everyone has time for a thoughtful critique by Kamo-Sensei.
Kiyoichi Kamo
Assistant Professor of the Council of Ohara Professors
1st Term Master
Kamo-Sensei began his Ikebana journey in 1995. He earned his 1st Term Master certification in 2018 and joined the prestigious Council of Ohara Professors in 2019. He leads the Sumire no Hana Ikebana class in Nagoya, Japan, where he lives with his family. Born in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, in 1968, Kamo-Sensei is admired for his thoughtful teaching, refined technique, and dedication to Ohara Ikebana traditions.
Founded in 1965 by the third headmaster, Ohara Houn, the Council of Professors is a research and instruction body within the Ohara School. Instructors are appointed after completing advanced coursework, certification exams, and receiving approval from the headmaster. The Council supports over 140 branches worldwide, fosters traditional Ohara-ryu techniques, and promotes excellence across all levels of study. The current Director is Fifth Headmaster Ohara Hiroki.
This is a rare and unforgettable opportunity to study with a leading figure in the world of Ikebana.
