Interview with Daniel Patterson: An LGBTQ+ Ikebana Artist’s Journey in Japan

From a childhood surrounded by gardens in Canada to a life rooted in the art of ikebana in Japan, Daniel Patterson’s story is one of inspiration. Owner of Star River Ikebana Studio, Daniel is not only a dedicated Sogetsu-style ikebana teacher and artist but also a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community living in Japan. We recently had the honor to interview Daniel on his personal journey in ikebana, LGBTQ+ life in Japan, and the power of flowers to inspire, and couldn’t wait to share his story with you!

Can you please introduce yourself?

I’m Daniel Patterson from Fredericton, New Brunswick — a small city nestled among the forests of Canada. I studied for six years at university, earning a degree in Education with a focus on English as an Additional Language (EAL) and Psychology, specifically Popular Psychology. I also minored in French Literature and Native Studies. When I was in junior high, I joined a karate dojo. The summer I graduated, a woman from Nagoya, Japan, joined our dojo. We became close friends, and throughout high school and university, I helped her with her English. She encouraged me to apply for the JET Programme. At the time, I was working as a harpist and supporting EAL learners at the Multicultural Centre. I applied to the JET Programme, was accepted, and arrived in Japan in 2006. I spent five years living in Takamatsu and absolutely fell in love with Shikoku. When my JET contract ended, I had to decide whether to return to Canada or stay. I chose to stay and moved to Yokohama.

For those who might not be familiar, what exactly is ikebana? What makes it different from simply arranging flowers?

Ikebana is the ancient Japanese art of flower arrangement. It began in Buddhist temples as a spiritual offering and was passed down through the samurai and merchant classes before becoming part of everyday culture. Like many traditional arts in Japan, it evolved from being practiced only by men to being practiced mostly by women. Today, it’s enjoyed by everyone. Ikebana means “giving life to flowers.” It differs from Western floral arrangement because it incorporates three elements: Heaven (the spiritual), Human, and Nature. These components work together to create new life in the arrangement. Sogetsu Ikebana is a modern and highly creative school of ikebana, a little over 100 years old. While it maintains key principles—such as space, line, and color—it encourages freedom of expression. Sogetsu believes ikebana can be practiced by anyone, anywhere, using any material.

What inspired you to start learning and eventually teaching ikebana?

I stumbled upon ikebana by chance. One day, I saw a small exhibition outside a department store at my station. I told my coworker how beautiful and difficult it looked, and that I could never do something like that because I didn’t see myself as an artistic person. My coworker encouraged me to try a trial lesson. I Googled “Ikebana, English, Yokohama” and found a teacher nearby. During the trial lesson, I immediately fell in love with ikebana. It was challenging, but I felt like a wire had been reconnected — something inside me that I didn’t even realize was missing felt whole again. I’ve always felt like a teacher, someone who wants to share knowledge and experiences. I’ve spent half of my life teaching, mostly kindergarten. It felt natural to want to share my love of ikebana and Japanese culture with others.

What is a typical day like for you as an ikebana teacher in Japan?

A typical day starts with reviewing which students and seminars I have and preparing the materials needed for each lesson or theme. I work with a traditional flower shop that knows ikebana well—they help me gather and prepare what I need. For private lessons, I also serve tea and traditional sweets to help students feel relaxed in a casual, welcoming atmosphere. Teaching usually happens from morning to evening with breaks in between. People in Japan are often very busy, so to teach ikebana, you need to have a flexible schedule.

As someone who identifies as LGBTQ+, how has your identity shaped your journey in Japan, both personally and artistically?

Moving from Canada to Japan 20 years ago was a major adjustment, especially living in Shikoku, where LGBTQ+ identities weren’t visible or openly discussed. For the first five years, I didn’t feel comfortable being out at work. I was out socially, but not professionally. There was a hidden but vibrant queer community in Shikoku. After moving to Yokohama, I decided I wouldn’t hide anymore. Living authentically in Japan has shown me that a lot of the hesitation comes from a lack of exposure rather than ill will. I live openly in my community now, and my neighbors have been incredibly accepting—and even excited to learn something new.

How do you balance the weight of tradition and conformity in Japanese society with the freedom of being true to who you are?

I observe the traditional rules closely, and then I watch how Japanese people creatively break or reinvent them. There’s a misconception that Japanese people always conform, but what I’ve learned is that many have a dual expression: the face shown to society, and the authentic self shown to their “tribe.” I’m part of the kimono community, where tradition is deeply respected. Yet I see incredible creativity in how people are reinventing kimono fashion. It’s proof that tradition and innovation can coexist. In Ikebana, I study the Sogetsu school, which is very modern. Recently, I’ve also begun studying under a contemporary ikebana artist to explore more outside-the-box, avant-garde styles.

What are your dreams for the future, for yourself, your art, and the LGBTQ+ community in Japan?

For myself, I want to keep growing in ikebana — creating larger-scale arrangements and eventually being invited to share ikebana and Japanese tradition internationally. I also want to deepen my study of the kimono. For the LGBTQ+ community in Japan, I hope to continue being visible and active in my neighborhood and local community, and to keep advocating for marriage equality.

As someone who lives in Japan and understands its LGBTQ+ landscape, is there a place in Tokyo or Yokohama that you’d recommend to LGBTQ+ travelers?

The classic area is Nichome in Tokyo, but there are also great LGBTQ+ spots in places like Ueno, Shimbashi, and Koenji. Do your research to find what fits your interests and style. In Yokohama, the Noge area has traditional Japanese gay bars, a Southeast Asian restaurant and bar, and a gay-owned izakaya. It’s a fun and welcoming area to explore.

What’s one piece of advice you would give to people who want to try Ikebana?

Don’t be intimidated — just try it! Like anything new, it won’t be easy at first, and that’s okay. Ikebana is a practiced skill, and the joy is in the process. Let yourself enjoy the journey.

Thank you, Daniel, for taking the time to interview with us, showing us his inspiration and journey in his art, and openness. Whether you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community or a Japanese culture lover, we hope Daniel’s journey has touched you as much as it has inspired us.

You can follow more of Daniel’s work and connect with him here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/star.river.ikebana 

Website: https://www.starriverikebana.com/

Featured Photo Credit: Daniel Patterson

Traveling in Japan as a member of the LGBTQ+ community? Make sure to check out our LGBTQ+ Resources Page to prepare for your trip and get some great recommendations for influencers and information sources!