Who we are

Arao Gyokusen Miyako

Miyako Gyokusen Arao (荒尾 玉泉 美也子), a Sogetsu Ikebana School 1st degree master, holds the highest rank “Riji”. She began studying Sogetsu Ikebana under Gyosushun Takeichi in 1988 and began teaching in Santa Ana and Irvine in Orange County in 2004.

Miyako has served as Director of Sogetsu LA Branch from 2009 to 2011 and as President of the Ikebana Teachers Association of Southern California from 2017-2019.

 In Spring 2017, Miyako received the “Overseas Award” from Sogetsu Japan Headquarters .

Recently, a newly opened ikebana classroom has been set up at the Butokuden. We are delighted to have a wonderful environment to spread the joy of ikebana and look forward to having you join us.

Ariga Seisen Ayako

Credentials:

Teacher’s Diploma: 12/2022 - 2nd Joninn Sanyo

History:

  • 2010 - Began studying under Miyako Arao Sensei | Irvine, CA

  • 2018 - Became assistant to Arao Sensei

  • 2021 - Established new ikebana class @ Butokuden Dojo | Irvine, CA

  • 2022 - Nominated and elected for Membership Chair | Sogetsu L.A. Branch Board Member

  • 2023 - Joined Ikebana International L.A. Chapter #4

  • 2024 - Re-elected for Membership Chair position for Sogetsu L.A. Branch Board Member

Experience:

  • Jul 2018 - OC Fair Exhibition and Workshop

  • Feb 2022 - OCCCA (annually)

    • Presented our Ikebana art piece at the Orange County Center for Contemporary Art

  • Mar 2022 - Adam Silverman Common Ground Exhibition

  • Jun 2023 - LACMA

    • Participated in individual and group Ikebana demonstration

  • Sep 2023 - Arao Group Exhibition and Workshop

  • Oct 2023 - Huntington Library Orchid Show

    • Part of the installation team for the Orchid Show

  • Nov 2023 - Sogetsu x Anime Exhibition

  • Apr 2024 - HollyHock House (UNESCO World Heritage) by Frank Llyod Wright

    • Participated in the individual and group Ikebana arrangement for Flowers for Aline: An Exhibition

Two women standing on either side of an elegant floral arrangement in a hotel lobby.