2006
The first step
Began studying floral arrangement under the influence of her mother, a flower instructor.
ABOUT RINKO
Rinko
Floral designer
and educator
Shaped by Japan and Germany, Rinko’s practice brings disciplined craft together with close observation—and uses theory to make creative choices clearer.
An early moment of practice.
THE BEGINNING
Flowers were part of the story before they became a profession.
Rinko began studying floral arrangement in 2006, inspired by her mother, a flower instructor. A year later, while working in sales for a listed company, she qualified as an NFD instructor and began teaching small classes.
What began at home became a lifelong practice: learning how flowers move, how space gives them presence, and how design can be understood and shared.
JOURNEY · 2006–2022
A practice built across two countries.
Training, daily flower-shop work, teaching and independent practice gradually shaped the point of view behind Atelier Flowerseat.
2007
Learning while working
Earned an NFD instructor qualification while working in corporate sales, and began holding small floral arrangement classes.
2013
Moving to Germany
Moved to Munich and entered a florist vocational training program. Alongside three years of flower-shop work, studied plant materials, design theory, color theory and marketing.
2015
Qualification and deeper training
Placed second in the practical examination and earned the German vocational qualification as a florist. She then spent two years training at Gregor Lersch’s floral design studio and was credited as an assistant in one of his books.
2018
Technique through teaching
Joined FIORI BLUMENSTYLISTEN in Düsseldorf, working as a florist and supporting the technical development of fellow staff members.
2019
Looking outward
Visited exhibitions and vessel workshops in preparation for a future return to Japan, while also teaching floral arrangement classes for German participants.
2020
A change of direction
A planned short study trip to the United Kingdom was cancelled by COVID-19. Rinko returned to Japan—and began dreaming of life with a dog.
2021
A place of her own
Completed an atelier in Fuji, Shizuoka, and worked primarily online, including bouquet sales.
2022
Back in Germany
Returned to Germany and began the next chapter of Atelier Flowerseat.
APPROACH
Theory gives observation a language.
Rinko’s work begins with what is already present: the direction of a branch, the rhythm of repeated forms, the balance between mass and space, and the contrast created by light.
01
Observe
Look closely before deciding. Materials, space and light already contain useful information.
02
Understand
Give what you see a clear design language through principles such as direction, rhythm, balance and contrast.
03
Create
Use that understanding to make choices with intention—and to develop work that remains personal.
TEACHING
Teach the reason,
not the recipe.
Today, Rinko shares floral design with teachers and professionals who want to deepen their design judgment. The aim is not to reproduce a finished form, but to understand why it works.
Through observation, theory and practice, Atelier Flowerseat helps each person make stronger decisions and create with greater freedom.
CONTINUE EXPLORING