A community of Sogetsu ikebana teachers and students in the County of San Diego

Regulations Governing Sogetsu Overseas Branches and Study Groups

Based on the Operational Rules of the Sogetsu Foundation, the operation and establishment of official Sogetsu Overseas Branches and Study Groups (SG) are defined as follows.

These regulations shall take effect on April 1, 2026.

Article 1: Purpose of Branches and Study Groups

Branches and Study Groups shall operate for the advancement of Sogetsu Ikebana in their respective regions and for the improvement of the members’ skills. Branches and Study Groups shall prioritize the development of the Sogetsu School as a whole over their own interests.

Article 2: TYPES OF MEMBERSHIP

Branches and Study Groups are composed of Regular Members and Associate Members.

  • Regular Members refers to members who have joined the Sogetsu Teachers’ Association (the STA) and paid the corresponding annual membership fee. In this case, it does not matter whether they are teaching or not.

  • Associate Members refers to Branch/Study Group members who have obtained the approval of the Branch or Study Group.

Article 3: Composition of Branches and Study Groups

  • A Branch is composed of 10 or more Regular Members (refer to Article 2).

  • A Study Group is composed of 4 or more Regular Members (refer to Article 2).

  • A Branch/Study Group should include at least one English or Japanese speaking member in its committee.

Article 4: Activities of Branches and Study Groups

Branches and Study Groups shall be operated through the mutual cooperation of members, and shall implement at least the following programs for the advancement of Sogetsu Ikebana and the improvement of members’ levels in their regions.

  1. Hold meetings at least 4 times a year.

  2. Hold an exhibition open to the general public at least once a year.

  3. Regularly hold workshops for their members.

When a Branch or Study Group organizes an event, they may request the Headquarters to post the announcement on the official Headquarters website, share the contact list of other Branches and Study Groups, and provide official leaflets for distribution (Up to 200 copies per year: Free of charge. But, a handling fee for shipping is to be borne by a Branch/Study Group).

*Excludes events organized by other groups.

Announcements should be made to neighboring Branches and Study Groups so that each group can check each other’s event schedules. For the same reason, it is desirable to request the Headquarters to post event announcements on the Headquarters website. Based on this information, each Branch Director and Chairperson shall take care to adjust their event dates by several months to minimize the impact on the attendance of other groups’ events.

The copyright of the Iemoto’s portraits and work photos belongs to the Sogetsu Foundation; therefore, they must not be used in publications, websites, or social media by Branches or Study Groups without the permission of the Headquarters.

Branches and Study Groups shall strive to build good relationships with other groups in neighboring areas, respect each other, and sometimes cooperate for the advancement of Ikebana in the region.

When the Headquarters holds meetings or talk sessions online, etc., participation is desirable.

Article 5: Formation of a Study Group

A Study Group is established with the approval of the President of the Sogetsu Foundation, upon application by a member of the Sogetsu Teachers’ Association who has paid the corresponding annual membership fee, acting as the founder. In addition, at the time of formation, 4 of the founding members, including the founder, must meet the following two requirements:

  1. Reside in the country or region where the Study Group is located.

  2. Be a member of the Sogetsu Teachers’ Association who has paid the corresponding annual membership fee. (For formation procedures, refer to the separate sheet, Appendix 1.)

When deciding on a name for a new Study Group, group names consisting only of a country name will not be permitted. As a rule, a middle name must be added in addition to the city name. Words used for the middle name must not be expressions intended to imply superiority over other groups. (Example: The First, Supreme, Real, etc.) Additionally, the use of company names is not permitted.

Article 6: Promotion from Study Group to Branch

A Study Group that has continued activities in accordance with Article 4 for at least 2 years and whose number of Regular Members meets the qualifications for establishing a Branch (10 or more members of the Sogetsu Teachers’ Association who have paid the corresponding annual membership fee) may apply for promotion to a Branch. In such a case, the Chairperson shall act as the founder to apply to the President of the Sogetsu Foundation, and approval shall be obtained when the Headquarters deems it appropriate. (For promotion procedures, refer to the separate sheet, Appendix 2.)

Study Groups that did not include a “city name” in their group name shall include a “city name” in the group name upon promotion to a Branch.

Article 7: Reorganization and Abolition of Branches and Study Groups

If a Branch or Study Group falls short of the prescribed number of members, it will be given a one-year grace period starting from the following fiscal year. If it still does not meet the requirements after re-evaluation, it will lose its status. However, if the Branch or Study Group makes efforts to get new members and train teachers during this period, an additional one-year grace period may be provided, considering the group’s circumstances. If a Branch or Study Group wishes to close, it must notify the Headquarters. Subsequently, the group’s information will be deleted from the contact list page of Branches and Study Groups on the Headquarters website.

Depending on the situation, the Headquarters may decide to abolish a group.

Reasons for potential abolition

  • No activity record or reports for 3 years or more. Or, failure to submit Annual Activity Report and Election Report for 3 years or more.

  • Frequent troubles. (Human relations within or outside the group, public criticism of other groups or members, failure to hold fair election, etc.)

Article 8: Roles of Branch and Study Group Officers

  • １） Branch Directors and Study Group Chairpersons shall strive to maintain and increase the number of members.

Branch Directors and Study Group Chairpersons shall strive to maintain good human relations within and outside the group.

An Annual Activity Report must be submitted to the Headquarters once a year by the end of May.

The reporting period for the annual activity report shall be from January to December of each year.

Branches and Study Groups that have submitted an annual activity report confirmed to be without deficiencies will be presented with the “Sogetsu” quarterly magazine and calendar. (Shipped in two installments: Spring/Summer issues, and Autumn/Winter issues with the calendar).

Communicate information and notices from the Headquarters to all members. Provide opportunities and venues for members to learn by accurately conveying information from the Headquarters.

Strive to follow the social media accounts (Instagram, X, Facebook, YouTube) of the Iemoto and Headquarters and check for updates regularly. Convey the content in the “Sogetsu” quarterly magazine or on social media to members. Also, encourage members to follow the Iemoto’s and Headquarters’ social media.

Agree to the introduction of the Branch Director/Study Group Chairperson’s name, contact information, and the group’s social media/website information when the Headquarters receives inquiries about classroom information in various countries and regions.

  • ２） Deputy Branch Directors and Study Group Deputy-Chairpersons shall assist the Branch Director or Study Group Chairperson. In the absence of the Branch Director or Study Group Chairperson, they shall act on their behalf.

  • ３） Secretary

Record the proceedings of meetings.

Maintain records.

Assist with communications, transmissions, and notices at the request of the Branch Director/Study Group Chairperson.

Article 9: Officer Elections

  • １） Branches and Study Groups shall hold officer elections once every two years and submit an election report to the Headquarters by the end of May of the relevant fiscal year.

  • ２） The term of office for elected officers shall be 2 years starting from April after the election. If there is a hindrance to this starting month depending on the Branch or Study Group, there is no problem if the starting month is different, but the Headquarters must be notified.

  • ３） Branches and Study Groups established in the middle of a fiscal year shall be deemed to have been established retroactively in April for the purpose of holding officer elections.

  • ４） If a vacancy occurs in the position of Branch Director, Deputy Branch Director, or Study Group Chairperson, a by-election shall be held promptly, and the election

results reported to the Headquarters. However, the term of office for the substitute officer shall be the remaining term of the predecessor.

A Certificate of Appointment will be issued to newly elected Branch Directors, Deputy Branch Directors, and Study Group Chairpersons.

*In the case of re-election, it will not be issued.

*It will not be issued if the elected officer is not a Regular Member

(refer to Article 2).

Article 10: Eligibility for Branch and Study Group Officers

１） A Branch Director must be a member of the Sogetsu Teachers’ Association who has paid the annual membership fee. They must reside in the country or region where the Branch is located. It is desirable for the Deputy Branch Director to be a Regular Member (refer to Article 2).

２） A Study Group Chairperson must be a member of the Sogetsu Teachers’ Association who has paid the annual membership fee. They must reside in the country or region where the Study Group is located. *Strive to increase the number of teaching members to vitalize activities within the group.

３） For other officers such as Secretary, Treasurer, and Public Relations for both Branches and Study Groups, the status of Regular or Associate member is not questioned, but it is desirable that they are Regular Members.

４） Branch Directors, Deputy Branch Directors, and Study Group Chairpersons cannot concurrently hold the positions of Branch Director, Deputy Branch Director, or Study Group Chairperson of another Branch or Study Group.

Article 11: Inviting the Iemoto by Branches and Study Groups

Depending on the timing and content proposed by the Branch or Study Group, the feasibility of the invitation will be determined after consultation with the Headquarters.

Article 12: Inviting Master Instructor of the Sogetsu HQ by Branches and Study Groups

If a Branch or Study Group already has a relationship with a specific instructor and can contact them directly, they may request a visit directly. In that case, notify the Headquarters Overseas Affairs Department that a request has been made to a specific instructor.

If they wish to invite an instructor with whom they have no prior acquaintance, the Headquarters can act as an intermediary. In that case, for the purpose of securing the instructor’s schedule, they must notify the Headquarters Overseas Affairs Department by email at least one year before the desired event date, including the following details:

  • ① Desired dates for the event

  • ② Event location

  • ③ Proposed program content (planning proposal)

After the introduction, the Branch or Study Group shall communicate directly with the instructor. For information on each instructor, please refer to the list of instructor names and introductory articles in the newsletter, or each instructor’s website and social media.

The host Branch or Study Group shall arrange the following personnel and equipment during the instructor’s stay for event preparation and operation:

  • Personnel and vehicles required for material collection and transportation.

  • Assistants for demonstrations and workshops.

  • General management staffs needed for each event, such as reception and guidance.

(When inviting an instructor who does not speak English) Personnel:

  • Someone who can communicate with the instructor in Japanese beforehand.

  • Someone who can attend to and support the instructor in Japanese during her/his stay.

  • An interpreter for public speaking such as demonstrations, workshop lectures, and party speeches.

Materials/Equipment:

  • Containers

  • Flower materials (including driftwood, dried materials, etc., as needed for work production)

  • Kenzan, water bowls, pitchers, equipment such as impact drills, screws, and wires.

  • • Protective equipment and general cleaning tools, etc.

(Expenses required for instructor visits)

  • Transportation expenses

  • Accommodation expenses

  • Material costs

  • Honorarium for the instructor

It is also desirable to consider splitting the above costs by holding events jointly with

other Branches and Study Groups in neighboring areas.

Appendix 1: Flow of Establishing an Official Study Group

*To prevent future troubles, when applying for the establishment of an official group, it is desirable to notify other groups (Shachu) in the same city before applying.

  1. The founder contacts the Overseas Affairs Department at the HQ expressing the desire to establish an official group and submits the prescribed application form. At the time of submission, attach the following 5 documents along with the application form:

① Applicant’s profile with a face photo, ② Several photos of her/his works, ③ Photos of her/his exhibitions, workshops, demonstrations, etc., ④ A group photo taken with members, ⑤ Reason for wishing to establish the official group (free format).

  1. Sogetsu Headquarters will review whether the content of the application meets all establishment requirements.

  2. Sogetsu Headquarters will notify existing Branches and Study Groups near the desired area. (If an objection is filed, the application will be temporarily held by the Headquarters and a hearing will be conducted.)

  3. After review by the Board Committee, Iemoto Akane Teshigahara will authorize the establishment.

  4. Issuance of a “Certificate of Appointment” from the Iemoto to the Chairperson (*The timing may be delayed).

  5. The officially established Study Group will be introduced in the “So Newsletter” and added to the contact list on the Headquarters website.

Appendix 2: Flow of Promotion from Study Group to Branch

  1. The current Chairperson acts as the founder, contacts the Overseas Affairs Department at the HQ expressing the desire for promotion, and submits the prescribed application form. At the time of submission, attach the following 3 documents along with the application form:

① Applicant’s profile with a face photo, ② Photos of activities such as exhibitions, workshops, and demonstrations organized as a Study Group, ③ A group photo taken with members of the Study Group.

  1. Sogetsu Headquarters will review whether the content of the application meets all promotion requirements.

  2. Sogetsu Headquarters will notify existing Branches and Study Groups near the desired area regarding the promotion. (If an objection is filed, the application will be temporarily held by the Headquarters and a hearing will be conducted.)

  3. After review by the Board Committee, Iemoto Akane Teshigahara will authorize the promotion.

  4. Issuance of a “Certificate of Appointment” from the Iemoto to the Branch Director (*The timing may be delayed).

  5. The promotion will be reported in the “So” Newsletter.