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The Sacred Hawaiian Leaf “Ti Leaf”: A Story of Green and Red
In my previous post, I introduced Aspidistra (Haran), a familiar material in ikebana. This time, I’d like to talk about a plant that closely resembles it and is deeply symbolic of Hawaii, the Ti Leaf. A Leaf Filled With Hawaiian Spirit Called Ti in Hawaiian and known scientifically as Cordyline fruticosa, this plant is far […]
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A Creation Born from a Lesson
Today, I’d like to introduce one of the pieces that emerged during my lessons. The very arrangement that first made me fall in love with Ikebana: a single-material composition using Aspidistra (Haran). The photo on the left shows my very first attempt. The one in the middle was created two years later. And the one […]
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Talent Optimization on the Ground: Growing an Organization by Leveraging Individual Strengths
In store management, deciding who to place where is just as important as sales and profit. Products and location are difficult to change—but the impact of people can shift dramatically depending on how they are positioned. When people hear “the right person in the right place,” they may imagine complex HR theories. For me, however, […]
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Ikebana tools used in lessons
Ikebana is one of Japan’s traditional arts, yet it remains closely connected to everyday life. One of its charms is that you can enjoy it without needing any special equipment. Still, there are a few items that can make your practice more convenient, so I’d like to introduce some of them here. Flower Shears (Hanabasami) […]
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What Is Taro (Kalo), the Plant That Sustains Hawaiian Culture?
Today, I’d like to introduce a plant that we, as people who work closely with nature here in Hawaiʻi, should truly understand and honor. Have you ever seen these large, heart-shaped leaves around the islands? Yes, this is the famous taro, known in Hawaiian as Kalo. Kalo grows to about 1–2 meters tall, and each […]
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Getting Started with Ikebana
Many people tell me, “I’m interested in ikebana, but I have no idea where to begin.”Tools? Flower names? Formal shapes? These are common concerns, but the very first step to starting ikebana is actually much simpler than most people think. Before joining a class, try making small shifts in your daily life to prepare yourself […]
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How to Turn Trends into Growth: Insights from Managing 50 Stores
In business, navigating "trends" is an unavoidable challenge. The question is: will you let these constant shifts pass as a fleeting phase? Or will you transform them into a solid foundation for your organization’s growth? Based on my experience managing 50 locations, I want to share my approach to turning market trends into lasting wisdom […]
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The Courage to Pivot and Let Go: Updating Systems to Evolve the Organization
In management, we often unconsciously fall into the trap of making "system-building" the goal itself. We pour so much energy into meetings and discussions that actual execution and results on the ground are often left behind. No matter how sophisticated a framework is, if it loses sight of its purpose, it becomes a "static mechanism." […]
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Mindset to Keep in Mind Before Starting Ikebana
Preparing your heart to connect with Flowers. In Ikebana, it is said that “how you approach the flowers with your heart” is far more important than technique or sense. In the life of Hawaii, spending time with flowers can be a small, gentle moment of healing that quietly organizes your day. For those who are […]
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Seasonal Store Experience: The Art of Capturing Hearts
The changing seasons and the passage of time profoundly influence people’s moods and motivations to buy. "It’s getting warmer," or "Christmas is just around the corner"—these small realizations often become the catalyst for the next purchase. In my journey of expanding a business from a single location to 50 stores in Japan, I have witnessed […]