Today we’d like to introduce you to Motoko Ishihara.
Hi Motoko, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born and educated in a traditional home and worked in Japan, having a dream of traveling around the world and making friends. While teaching English for 25 years, I learned Japanese traditional arts, such as Ikebana, floral art, and tea ceremony.
Professor of Ikenobo Ikebana, Japanese/English teacher Karate, blue belt, Kimono/ Japanese manner
Traveled over 23 countries and territories.
I like people and flowers. I aim to bridge cultures and connect people, enriching their lives worldwide by offering Japanese language and culture services.
I came to Dallas at almost 49 years old without work experience in the States.
It seemed too late to start something new. I planned to study at graduate school and got a conditional acceptance for a future establishment of education NPO. However, the condition did not seem possible for me to look at college again for grades. I could have a choice to teach Japanese, but at that time, I needed to see America, culture, and people outside of school. Eventually, I had opportunities to teach Japanese/English a few years later.
It took me a long time to find a first-time job and accept that I was in the States, in a different culture. With my brain, I understood, but my mentality was as in Japan. Then, I realized it was not for me, so I had to find what I wanted to do in the States and how to contribute to society because I became a resident.
While practicing a Japanese Day, I wore a kimono and did a tea ceremony and Ikebana once a week unless I needed to remember and lust my skills. One day, a hot Macha made me realize I could share this peaceful moment and happiness with those who need a moment of serenity, healing, and nothingness.
First, I started to find a place to volunteer for Ikebana/Tea Ceremony workshops and demonstrations at care homes and seniors. Then, I started teaching Ikebana privately, doing demonstrations for Crow Collection—Samurai Museum, Richardson Library,
Dallas City, Japan America Society, and Japanese Association. After five years of volunteering at local cultural events, I founded Motoko Japan LLC to reach out to more audiences and promote the experience of Japanese traditional culture to enrich their lives. I also taught Japanese at Dallas Japanese School.
During CIVID, I had online Ikebana and Hanaiku for kids’ mental health. My passion is education. Connecting language learners ignited again, so I now organize online language and culture meetings. Some online meetings received nominal support from Japan’s Ministries of Foreign Affairs and the Consulate General of Houston. 2023 Online Veterans Day, Ikebana honors veterans and their families, and Ikebana is where I could connect America, Japan, and Americans and Japanese. I would like to have more in-person Ikebana workshops not only as traditional art but also for mental health and productivity, sharing the value with as many people as possible, which will help preserve Japanese tradition.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
1 Finding my goals while living in the States was the biggest challenge
2. My age and lack of experience living in the States, though more than ten visits to my husband’s family.
3. Learning cultures and technology to fit in America.
4. Acting differently from in Japan to promote and find people with whom I could share Japanese traditional arts with
5. Collecting materials for the lesson and events. Some tools and plants are difs it isdifficult to access in Dallas, Japanese Culture Consultant and Lifestyle Coordinator: I am dedicated to bridging two cultures, enhancing global understanding and connection through the rich traditions of Japan.
Founder of MOTOKO JAPAN LLC: My company was established with the mission of promoting Japanese culture in Dallas, aiming to enrich lives through meaningful cultural exchange.
Japanese Language and Culture Education:
Providing Japanese language and cultural education via both online and in-person classes, ensuring continued engagement and exchange in the post-COVID era.
Japanese Traditional Arts:
Offering lessons in Ikebana and the Tea Ceremony, these traditional arts serve as a conduit for mindfulness, serenity, and a deeper appreciation of Japanese culture.
Organizing Cultural Exchange Events:
Hosting events supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and the Consulate General of Japan in Houston, such as the Tomodachi Summit and Veterans Day Ikebana, to foster connections between Americans and Japanese.
Community Engagement:
Conducting over 3,500 Ikebana, Tea Ceremony, and Kimono workshops and demonstrations across diverse venues, including the Crow Asian Collection, Samurai Collection, SMU, Collin College, schools, senior facilities, and local events like
OTSUKIMI and MOCHITSUKI Akimatsuri. Japan Bowl, Japan America Society Dallas Fort Worth, Japanese Association, Ikebana International Chapter 13 Dallas-Fort Worth
Adaptation and Innovation During COVID-19:
Transitioning to online platforms for language and cultural exchange, organizing virtual meetings and workshops to sustain cultural education and connection during challenging times.
Authorship:
Authored books including “Cracking The Success Code” (2023), “Gift for My Students” (2013), “Dallas Flower Calendar” (2017), and “Beautiful Meditation Ikebana ” (2018, 2020), contributing to the literary field of cultural exchange and personal development.
Community Impact:
My work has significantly contributed to bridging cultural gaps and fostering mutual understanding, thus enriching both local and global communities with the essence of Japanese culture.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I call myself a Japanese Culture Consultant, Education and Lifestyle Coordinator—Ikebana artist, and teacher (Ikenobo Ikebana: The Japanese Art of Flower Arranging Professor.
• I teach the Japanese language and culture. Online and in person, mainly after COVID online.
• I promote experience in Japanese traditional arts such as Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging, Tea Ceremony, and Kimono.
Language learning requires time, effort, and commitment. On the other hand, experience can teach or help us understand the essence in a shorter period. Even one-time expertise allows you to feel serenity, mindfulness, and the taste of Japanese culture, which benefits your life.
• After 2020 covid, I organize online language and culture exchange meetings and cultural workshops,
I am proud that I could connect Americans and Japanese online and in person, serving more than 3500 people in Dallas. Though the time was remote, I could not have classes and events in person. I started a new way to connect people directly through US-Japan online language and culture exchange meetings, such as regular meetings for high schoolers Cool Kids 2022, 2023, Japanese and English learners’ presentation competition Tomodachi Summit (2023)supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and Consulate General of the U.S. in Osaka, Kid Ikebana (2020) and Veterans Day Ikebana (2023) supported by Consulate General of Japan in Houston.
My mission: To bridge two cultures and connect people locally and globally
To provide an authentic learning experience of Japanese language and culture
To share the beauty and serenity of Japanese traditional arts with modern global
I have an authentic and unique background/experience as a language and culture teacher and consultant.
I am a woman of tradition and contemporary. I teach both in Japanese and English.
The approaches and goals are to grow interests and understand language and people.
As a Japanese language teacher, I have over 35 years of teaching experience in Japan and the US.
My lesson covers language and culture to foster interests and communication skills. I have offered virtual language and culture exchange meetings since 2020. I was an English teacher at a middle school in Japan for 25 years. I love
As a Japanese, I am a woman of tradition and contemporary; surrounded by Japanese tradition, I wanted to travel around the world to make friends. To make this dream come true. I earned English, and I have traveled to 23 countries,
While keeping my eyes out of Japan, I enjoyed traditional Japanese arts, such as Ikebana and tea ceremonies. Only a few people already learned these arts. When I was young, I did not understand its value as much as I came to the States. I want to share the benefits and values of Traditional arts with the world and preserve the Japanese tradition to pass on to the next generation.
I can teach not only language but also cultures. Also, I learned Japanese traditional arts, Ikebana, the art of flower arranging with centuries of history 26 years, Tea Ceremonies over 15 years in Japan, Karate and Kimono, and Japanese etiquette. Since 2012 in Dallas, I offered classes and workshops to over 3500 people.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Especially in my early stage of adapting and becoming a Japanese Culture Consultant (2011-2012) to establish MOTOKO JAPAN (2017), I could not be too thankful to those Americans. All believed in me and encouraged me to do what I tried to do.
1. My family in America has always loved me and encouraged me. Except for them
Angela Chen took me to the Japanese Meetup in February 2011 in Allen Library. The members encouraged me and gave me some ideas for my career. I did a very casual tea ceremony at the cafe of UTD. Will, Lori, Kady. Koji and more.
2. Through audio and his program, Brian Tracy, a Motivational Speaker, inspired me to do more than work part-time with my expertise and experience in Japanese culture. I became one of the co-authors with Brian and published a book, which was one of my dreams. Attached file Chapter 22
Andrew Mack, the founder and CEO at that time, through letters and his shop TEVANA, I looked at the Japanese tea ceremony set and got motivated to share the tea ceremony.
I wrote to those two successful American people, and they both wrote back! Even with a gift: Brian with a CD “GOALS, ” Andrew Macha Set, a bowl, a whisk, and a macha. I was so impressed that people could help me!
The first fantastic fact that encouraged me to dream was in 2011. In 2012, the book was published to be a best seller. Later I published eBooks on Amazon…
3. My friend Melissa Metcalf and her daughters Lena and Xuma. They all welcomed me! Melissa also talked to me at the supermarket, and we soon became friends. We are of an age, and she also told me I could do more. Xuma, at that time, was in elementary or 1st in middle school; she was fundraising for the Japan Eastern Earthquake, which touched me. Her action of kindness and her encouragement meant a lot to start believing in me. Invariably, they told me I could do more, more extensive and higher.
4. Sandy Hitz and Dian Byers (and Gloria)
Sandy was a volunteer coordinator when I first applied to volunteer for Hospice; I thought I could offer seniors a Japanese cultural experience.
Diane was an activity coordinator at a care home, not the first care home. She also trusted me and gave me opportunities.
I met Gloria, who was also volunteering and encouraged me to do more. We were both teachers and liked arts and plants.
5. Japan America Society of Dallas Fort Worth Executive directors and staff
Anna Mc Farland and Mihoko Ishikawa at Japan America Society, Crystal Sanders, Cori Hallock, Mamiko Abe, later Elaine Bowine, Dr. Sam Shichijo
Anna was an Executive Director of the Japan America Society for a long time, retired now, and Mikoho Ishihawa activity coordinator working at.
All appreciated my sharing Japanese culture and volunteering for the community, which allowed me to do more.
Mihoko, who used to work there, often rides me to events when it’s far. Mamiko Abe gave me my first Japanese Culture volunteer for the JASDF.
Dallas Japanese Association
I could meet students again in the States as a Japanese teacher at a school setting. Allowed me to host flower arrangement classes and events. I have written a monthly column about Flowers since 2016. Flowers are supplements for life.
As a business owner, I mentioned Mr. Soda, a Sushi Sake Japanese restaurant in Richardson; I respect how he treats his guests and work. He encourages me, too.
I like to eat at the sushi bar in front of him while talking with him. His sushi makes me revive from homesickness. I like the presentation of food and atmosphere with well-balanced American taste and Japanese aesthetics. He takes pride in sharing Japanese culture through food. He greets every customer leaving. He told me that the frequency of visits does not matter. They are all precious.
Yuko is the wife of the owner and chef of Masami Japanese Restaurant in Richardson. She also supports my Ikebana and Japanese Culture events. She decorates her restaurant with handmade decorations monthly, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. She is a hardworking lady. I like her.
Ai Kho is my friend and a plant lover. Thanks to her generous help, I have beautiful branches for my Ikebana demonstrations and events.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://motokojapaneseculture.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/motokojapaneseculture/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motokojapaneseculture/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/motoko-ishihara-evans-26642017/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/motokojapanseculture
