Introducing the HanaYou Ikebana Journal

Join HanaYou’s new newsletter for ikebana tips, reflections, and seasonal floral beauty from Kyoto, Japan direct to your inbox.

A short visit to Rokkakudō in Kyoto, the legendary birthplace of ikebana.

Hello HanaYou Friends,

How’s your summer so far—or is it already autumn where you are?

Here in Kyoto, the humid summer continues, and everyone is eagerly awaiting the cooler days. Neighbors tell me autumn won’t truly arrive until October.

Wading with my daughter in Kyoto's Kamo River

Until then, we're enjoying warm evenings by Kyoto's famous Kamo River while looking forward to cooler days ahead.

Recent HanaYou News

Some of you may have noticed—HanaYou now has a new website! Along with it comes a new way for me to stay connected with you, wherever you are. This month, instead of sharing flower arrangements, I’ve been working behind the scenes to create something special: the HanaYou Ikebana Journal, our new newsletter system.

Moving from New York to Kyoto reminded me how important it is to stay in touch with all of you, my ikebana friends, students, and supporters. To make that possible, I’ve created a few different subscription options, so you can choose the level of connection that feels right for you.

Below you'll find "free" and "full" tiers for the HanaYou Ikebana Journal, as well as a couple of tiers that come with remote private lesson packages at a discount.

1️⃣ HanaYou Ikebana Journal: Free

Floral reflections from Kyoto, shared freely with the HanaYou community.

✓ Basic newsletter twice a month
✓ Perfect if you’re casually curious about Japanese culture and ikebana

🎁

$0
If you're seeing this message in your inbox, you're already on this tier! If not,

2️⃣ HanaYou Ikebana Journal: Full

Full newsletter twice a month containing premium content with deeper explorations of ikebana.

Examples of premium content include:
✓ How I Made This: step-by-step arrangement notes & photos
✓ Try This at Home: creative prompts to practice ikebana yourself
✓ Kyoto in Season: seasonal motifs, colors, and cultural insights

🎁

~~$100/year~~
Founding Member special: $90 for your first year

3️⃣ HanaYou Circle

Connect in a more personal way with private lessons.

✓ Everything in the Full subscription
✓ Two private online ikebana lessons per year
✓ Optional thank-you mention in the newsletter or on the site
✓ Includes a $20 discount compared to individual bookings

🎁

~~$200/year~~
Founding Member special: $180 for your first year

4️⃣ HanaYou Patron

For those who want to uplift HanaYou while practicing hands-on ikebana.

✓ Everything in the Full subscription
✓ Four private online ikebana lessons per year—one each season, or whenever you like
✓ Optional thank-you mention in the newsletter or on the site
✓ Includes an $80 discount compared to individual bookings

🎁

~~$300/year~~
Founding Member special: $270 for your first year

An example of a nageire style ikebana arrangement — An example of a *nageire* style ikebana arrangement

I hope everyone can find something that works for them within these tiers. No matter which you choose, I truly appreciate your being an early supporter of the HanaYou Ikebana Journal.

Coming Next Month

So, with all of that out of the way, you might be wondering when subscribers will begin receiving the newsletter. Starting in September, the HanaYou Ikebana Journal will officially launch!

On the first and third Thursday of each month, you’ll receive reflections, ikebana knowledge, and practical tips to try at home. My goal is to spread ikebana, share seasonal inspirations, and create a space where flower lovers can connect across borders.

Have something specific you're hoping to see in future editions of the journal? Let me know!