Mizu Water 水
Water is the elixir of life. It flows through every living being, connecting us all in its natural cycle. Without water, there would be no life. As a floral designer, one of the key aspects of my work is to secure a water source for my cut flowers, plants, and foliage. I see water as a vital lifeline for my creations. Each material and flower has its own unique needs when it comes to water – something that I must carefully consider when arranging them. It is my responsibility to listen closely to their requirements and incorporate them into my compositions.
This not only ensures the longevity of my designs but also allows me to express my creativity in finding different ways to provide water while enhancing the beauty of the blooms. Sometimes, I choose to make the water source a visible part of the arrangement, or I intentionally use the reflections in water as part of the design, while other times I prefer to conceal it or give the illusion that it isn’t there at all. This adds another layer of artistry to my designs and showcases the versatility of flowers as living works of art.
Prosthechea cochleata, Clematis, Begonia rex, Nelumbo nucifera, Masdevallia
Disa, Causonis japonica
Utsuwa Vases器
The choice of vase or holder plays a crucial role in the overall aesthetic and character of a floral design. I strongly believe that the right vase can enhance and elevate an arrangement, while a mismatched one can take away from its beauty. The overall proportions of the vase should complement those of the flowers to create a visually balanced composition.
But for me the right vase is also about choosing the right material, shape, texture and colours as these as well have an important impact on the character of the design, the emotional impact and the message an arrangement communicates. A clear glass or crystal vase can showcase the natural beauty of the flowers and create a more elegant and refined look. On the other hand, a colourful or textured vase can add personality or highlight the quirks of certain materials or the entire floral composition.
As a floral designer the tactility of certain vases can also inspire me to create a particular type of arrangement due to their unique design or features. However, this does not mean that arrangements cannot be made in certain vases. In fact, sometimes using an unexpected vase can add an interesting twist to the design...
Viola, Pisum sativum
Lathyrus odoratus, Leucocoryne, Lachenalia, Asparagus plumosus, Passiflora, Smilax china, Bloomeria crocea, Cyanella orchidiformis, Tanacetum parthenium, Hedera helix
Pentarhizidium orientale, Gloriosa, Epidendrum, Guzmania, Smilax china, Passiflora caerulea, Tulipa, Chaenomeles speciosa, Anthurium clarinervium
Pelargonium graveolens, Haemanthus albiflos
Ixia, Lachenalia, Cissus rombifolia
Eremurus robustus, Rosa, Sarracenia, Helianthus annuusAnigozanthos, Gloriosa, Viola, Schoenoplectus, Bloomeria crocea
Sarracenia, Oncidium, Mokara, Alocasia odora, Anthurium andreanum, Pelargonium, Dianthus, Nephrolepis cordifolia, Licuala grandi, Anthurium clarinervium
© 2026 Katsumi Yamasaki and Pelckmans Publishers Ltd pelckmans.be
Brasschaatsteenweg 308, 2920 Kalmthout, Belgium
All rights reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training and similar technologies. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored or made public by any means whatsoever, whether electronic or mechanical, without prior permission in writing from the publisher.
Arrangements
Katsumi Yamasaki www.hanafuku.tv
Texts
Katsumi Yamasaki
Gabriele Wagner-Kubo (Preface)
Photography
Kiyokazu Nakajima
Cover design and layout
Jan de Coster
D/2026/0055/289
ISBN 978 90 5856 736 9
NUR 421 WFW
pelckmans.be facebook.com/pelckmans.be instagram.com/pelckmans.be