Floral Ashirai

Originally from Japan, floral artist Reiko Takahashi is currently based in Chicago, Illinois. Reiko has worked in the design industry for nearly 30 years in Japan and in the United States. After beginning her career as a graphic designer, over the years she has expanded into the fields of visual communications, and space and environmental design. 

As a native of Japan living in the United States, Reiko developed an interest in being a cultural bridge between the two countries. To be more knowledgeable about the art and culture of Japan, Reiko chose to study Japanese floral design, or ikebana, one of the most representative aspects of traditional Japanese art. She has studied ikebana since 2001 under Professor Emeritus Kimiko Gunji at the College of Art and Design, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She holds the certificate of Sokako – the rank of first grade, full professor – from the Ikenobo Ikebana Society of Floral Art in Kyoto, Japan. She is currently enrolled in the Ikenobo Central Training Institute working toward an advanced artistry and teaching skills.

Reiko is a president of the Illinois Prairie Chapter of Ikenobo Ikebana Society of America and a member of the Ikebana International Chicago Chapter. She is also a Visual Artist member of The Arts Club of Chicago.

Through Floral Ashirai, Reiko unites her love of art and nature together with her unique design skills to create beautiful artwork with flowers.

Public Demonstration and Teaching Event

• Kore Ikeru! - Sake and Ikebana Workshop
  Restaurant Kamehachi, Chicago, IL (2025)

• Moon Viewing Tea and Flower Offering
  University of Illinois Japan House, Urbana, IL  (2024)

• Moon Viewing Tea and Flower Offering
  Anderson Japanese Gardens, Rockford, IL  (2024, 2023, 2022)

• Anderson Gardens Japanese Summer Festival
  Rockford, IL (2024, 2023, 2017)

• Ikebana Mini Workshop at ACTFL 2023 Convention and World Languages Expo
  McCormick Place, Chicago IL (2023)

• Ikenobo Demonstration at Ikebana International Chicago Chapter Annual Ikebana Exhibition
  The Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, IL  (2023, 2022)

• Ikenobo demonstration and workshop at Japanese Culture Festival
  Heartland Community College, Normal, IL  (2023)

• Hinamatsuri (Girls Day Festival)
  Japanese Culture Center, Chicago, IL (2020, 2018)

• Matsuri
  New City, Chicago, IL (2019)

• Sake and Ikebana Workshop
  Restaurant Kizuki, Chicago, IL (2019)

• Matsuri
  Japan House at University Illinois Urbana-Champaign (2018)