Kayoko Fujimoto has illuminated ikebana of the Ohara School for more than 50 years. In 1988 she was named Grand Master, Ohara's highest rank, by the late Headmaster Houn Ohara. As a much admired teacher she is surrounded by many enthusiastic students whose accomplishments she encourages and enjoys. Her exquisite ikebana is seen in many exhibitions, businesses, museums, garden clubs and community events, including the prestigious Clark Japanese Art Museum in Hanford, CA. She has taught ikebana throughout the Bay Area as well as Los Angeles and Fresno.

Mrs. Fujimoto was born in Osaka, Japan. She came to this country in 1953 with her late husband the Reverend Hogen Fujimoto and their two small sons. In high school, she first studied Mishoryo ikebana but in Tokyo in 1948 she began Ohara studies. There she soon passed three difficult examinations judged by the Headmasters of major schools and was awarded Japan's official Ministry of Education Certificate in 1953. She was cited for Excellence of Arrangement and for Meritorious Service by Headmaster Houn Ohara in 1978. After continuing advanced studies she was named a Grand Master of the school in 1988. Recently she was honored to have her name inscribed on a tablet at Ohara headquarters in Kobe - only the seventh person outside Japan to be so honored.

In addition to teaching, Mrs. Fujimoto assisted in forming the Ikebana Teachers Federation and served as its president for eight years. From 1967 to 1998 she also was president of Ohara Ikebana School of Northern California Chapter and is an honorary member of the North American Ohara Teachers Association. She serves as Teacher Advisor to this chapter of Ikebana International. In addition to ikebana, she holds the rank of Kyouju in Chado Urasenke (tea ceremony).

Kayoko Suiyo Fujimoto
Ohara School

Kayoko Suiyo Fujimoto
Grand Master, Ohara School

Kayoko Suiyo Fujimoto
Grand Master, Ohara School

Kayoko Suiyo Fujimoto
Grand Master, Ohara School