Ikebana, or Japanese traditional flower arrangement, was first stylized in the Muromachi period (1333-1568). Prior to that, people had a custom of offering arranged flowers to Buddha.

The concept of ikebana, therefore, developed into one that expresses something Buddhistic or divine. It also embraces harmony with nature, symbolized by well-balanced three basic sprays signifying ten (heaven / universe), jin (mankind) and chi (earth).

There are about 2,000 ikebana schools at present, including the Ikenobo school, Ohara school and Sogetu school.