Toro Iroka | Sogetsu Ikebana Teacher | Tokyo

Natalia shares her passion with students by hosting weekly classes in Tokyo, and workshops in Zurich, Switzerland twice a year.

In this Q&A she introduce us to her journey in the ikebana world and shares some insights about her creative process and inspirations.

1. How were you introduced to Ikebana?

By living in Tokyo I got to see Ikebana very often. The arrangements took my attention and later I found an interview of my teacher, Mika Otani, in a magazine that inspired me a lot. In that interview, she mentioned that after the earthquake in 2011, she decided to quit her job and work full time with Ikebana, because she felt that she needed to work with alive materials. I felt the same at that moment. That was back in 2016 and my father had just passed away.

2. Why do you love Ikebana?
Because I’m a very creative person and Ikebana challenges my creativity in so many ways.

3. What is the best advice you have received through your ikebana studies?
My teacher once told me what her teacher told her:

“In Ikebana we don’t feel the space, we create it.”

Now, I’m teaching the same to my students.

4. How did you manage to turn your passion into a business? 
The most difficult part was to believe in me. It helped me that in 2019, I received a prize from the Sogetsu School, then I said to myself: if Japanese people recognise your work you have to believe in yourself too.

5. Are there any artists who you look up to or inspire you most?
Mika Otani, Saihou Ozono, Azuma Makoto, Toru Watarai, Oka Hiroyuki.

6. Where do you source your materials & containers?
I buy plant material at a small flower shop in Aoyama. Containers I buy  everywhere, especially flee markets.

7. How would you describe your style of Ikebana?
I’m a graphic designer who creates design with flowers and plants.

8. Do you have a favourite material or season?
I love to work with leaves. Any kind.

9. What is the advice you would give to someone who is studying or teaching Ikebana?
Don’t play safe doing beautiful arrangements. Don’t be afraid and try things.

10. Do you have any good Ikebana secrets / tips to share?
When I’m developing an idea I take inspiration from other artists, not just Ikebana artists, depending on the idea I’m working on. That helps me a lot.

11. What is ahead in your flower future?
I want to expand my Ikebana lessons. Right now I’m preparing for the big Sogetsu exhibition in October. Dreaming a bit bigger I would like to make some big Ikebana installations for a museum or something like that.

12. For flower lovers – where would you recommend they visit in Tokyo in a 24 hour visit? 
Hamarikyu gardens.

Business Details
1. Website: www.toroiroka.com
2. Instagram: @toro_iroka
3. Workshops: I have Ikebana lessons every week. Wednesday and Sunday. In Mejiro area, 10 min away from Shinjuku.

To learn more about the art of ikebana, join us at Ikebana Club for our regular ikebana study group where we discuss new themes and inspiration every week.