Ikebana - the Japanese art of flower arrangement - is an important form of Japan's Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) that fosters creativity, mindfulness, and aesthetic sensitivity. Also known as 'Kado,' or way of the flower, ikebana offers people living in the metropolitan areas a way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and connect with nature, which significantly benefits mental well-being.

However, accessibility challenges mean that the number of people practicing ikebana is on the decline. Beginners are required to undergo a long-term apprenticeship with an experienced master and repeatedly practice inside and outside the classroom to build a sense of harmony with nature, balance, and careful spatial composition. This limits people living in neighborhoods without Ikebana instructors (e.g. outside Japan), rendering them unable to benefit from the psychological and spiritual benefits of this traditional art.

To address this challenge, we have developed a new augmented reality (AR) system called HanaARrange that supports self-practice using real flowers and AI-based feedback. Unlike virtual reality systems that simulate flower arrangement digitally, HanaARrange overlays visual guidance directly onto real-world ikebana materials, simulating the real Ikebana tactile experience.

Users wear an AR headset that displays flower angles, spatial structure, and arrangement guidance while they practice with physical flowers and branches. The system also provides AI-supported feedback and explanations designed to encourage reflection and creativity rather than simply scoring the final arrangement.

The research received the Honorable Mention Award at the ACM Designing Interactive Systems Conference and presented in Singapore on June 15, 2026. This honor, awarded only to the top 5% of presenters, shines the spotlight on researchers who bridge digital technology and traditional arts education while emphasizing the value of physical, hands-on learning.