AI and AR help preserve the art of ikebana — New training system aims to make ikebana's relaxation and mental benefits accessible to all

Kadō (ikebana), the Japanese art of flower arrangement, is an intangible cultural heritage of Japan that fosters creativity, mindfulness, and aesthetic sensibility. Mastering ikebana requires developing a sense of harmony and balance with nature and precise spatial composition. However, because it requires long-term training under experienced masters and repetitive practice both inside and outside the classroom, the number of people learning ikebana has been declining. Consequently, it has become difficult for people living in regions without instructors, particularly those residing outside Japan, to receive the psychological and spiritual benefits that this traditional art offers.

A research group including Research Fellow Xiyue Wang of the Interdisciplinary ICT Research Center for Cyber and Real Spaces at the Research Institute of Electrical Communication, Tohoku University, has developed a new augmented reality (AR) system called "HanaARrange" to support self-practice using real flowers and AI-based feedback.

Unlike conventional virtual reality (VR) systems that digitally simulate flower arrangements, HanaARrange reproduces the tactile experience unique to ikebana by overlaying visual guidance directly onto actual ikebana materials.

Wearing an AR headset, users can check flower angles, spatial composition, and arrangement guidance while practicing with real flowers and branches. Rather than simply scoring the finished work, the system is designed to encourage self-reflection and creativity by providing AI-driven feedback and explanations.

In an experiment, beginners practiced basic ikebana forms with and without the system, and instructors evaluated their work. The results showed that the group using the system achieved better outcomes than the non-user group. Regarding the placement of main branches (yaku-eda), 7 out of 9 participants placed them more accurately when using the system. Five participants in the system-use group correctly placed all branches, including their positions and angles, compared to only one in the non-use group.

On the other hand, no significant differences were observed between the two groups in metrics such as workload (Task Load Index: TLX), relaxation (Relaxation State Questionnaire: RSQ), mindfulness (State Version of the Toronto Mindfulness Scale: State-TMS), or connectedness to nature (CNS). Under both conditions, the workload was low for the participants, who remained relaxed and reported levels indicating a sense of mindfulness.

These results demonstrated that AR guidance enables more accurate ikebana creation without increasing mental burden. Additionally, more experienced learners used the system through multiple design iterations and suggested areas for improvement.

Their experiences highlighted the potential of AR and AI to support long-term learning, reflection, and community engagement, while still respecting the role of teachers and established learning traditions.

Taken together, these findings suggest that technology can serve as a supportive partner in cultural learning, helping people practice independently while preserving the values that give meaning to traditional arts. This paper was accepted and orally presented at the ACM Designing Interactive Systems Conference (DIS 2026), an international conference held in Singapore. Furthermore, it received an Honorable Mention Award, which is given only to the top 5% of all presentations.

Journal Information
Publication: DIS '26: Proceedings of the 2026 Designing Interactive Systems Conference
Title: HanaARrange: Designing an Augmented Reality Support System for Daily Ikebana Practice and Well-being
DOI: 10.1145/3800645.3812940