First Release

Releasing Ikebana Lab feels like reaching a small milestone, but not at all like “it’s finished.” If anything, it feels much more like “I’ve finally reached the starting line.” There are things I managed to achieve during development, of course, but at the same time I now see many more areas I want to improve.

I received help from so many people throughout this process: those who joined the testing, those who tried the app right in front of me and shared their thoughts, friends who gave me ideas, and more. Every piece of feedback played an important role in shaping the app. I want to express my sincere gratitude here once again.

Looking back, everything started from a simple thought: “It might be interesting if an app like this existed.” From there, I began sketching rough wireframes on scrap paper, turning those into proper design files, and then implementing them in code. Bit by bit, I built the structure, then the 3D models, and worked to bring everything to life inside the app. It wasn’t an easy process, and yet, somehow, I managed to make it this far.

When I first started working on this app, I didn’t know anything about ikebana. I began taking lessons from scratch, and now I’m completely absorbed in it.

During development, it was always a cycle of building, breaking, and rebuilding. Even when I felt something was “good enough,” coming back later often revealed parts that didn’t feel quite right. After finally reaching the first release, I’ve found even more points I want to improve—and that desire to polish things has grown stronger since launch. In that sense, releasing the app at this timing was the right call.

What I Learned from Watching People Use the App

Throughout development, I had opportunities to watch people interact with the app right in front of me. Seeing several people struggle at the same places made issues extremely clear—things I never would have noticed on my own.

For example, the panel opening/closing interface was unclear, the flow for finishing and uploading a piece wasn’t intuitive, and other small points caused confusion. For the English version as well, native speakers pointed out phrasing that felt unnatural, which helped me refine the text into more natural expressions.

These were insights I could only gain by watching people actually use the app. It was invaluable.

Talking Face-to-Face in Tokyo

Around the release period, I visited Tokyo and met with the model creator who worked on this project, as well as the person who connected us. It was the first time speaking together in person.

Until now, most of the development had been done online, but meeting in person allowed me to clearly communicate what I want to achieve in 2026 and the direction I want the app to grow. During those conversations, I also received new ideas and was able to clarify several points that had previously been vague.

It truly felt like our team foundation grew stronger. I’m really glad I made the trip to Tokyo—it was meaningful in many ways.

Future Development Direction

Ikebana Lab is not intended to be an app where you simply create a piece and that’s the end of it. Different people come to ikebana with different interests and purposes: people who have never experienced ikebana before, adults who want to learn it as cultural knowledge, international users, those who already practice ikebana, and people who want to enjoy it as a form of art.

Instead of narrowing the target to a single group, I want to create experiences that feel natural for each type of user to begin with. It won’t be simple, but if I continue building features that resonate with each group, I believe the path will gradually take shape.

For those new to ikebana, I want to provide an easy, non-overwhelming way to learn what ikebana is. By offering small bits of cultural background and foundational knowledge, the app can naturally support learning as part of daily life.

For those who already practice ikebana, I hope the app becomes a place to freely test ideas—experimenting with combinations that may be hard to attempt in the real world. Features like the reference-photo mode and the Japanese-style “washitsu mode,” where you can place your work in a traditional room or tokonoma, are part of that approach. I want the experience to expand step by step, matching each user’s confidence and skill level.

I’m also considering a mode where you choose between two pieces and gradually discover which ikebana school aligns with your sense of beauty. Information about the schools will be prepared carefully, based on interviews with people in the field.

Ikebana is not only about the idea that “no two works are the same,” but also about considering how to let each flower shine. While it’s difficult to replicate everything digitally, I hope to approach that richness by introducing variations like expression patterns and other forms of individuality.

In addition to expanding the content with more flower materials, vases, color variations, and enhanced style modes, I am also working on features that further elevate the visual experience—such as adjustable lighting, processed plant materials, non-plant materials, and the introduction of elements like an arrangement stand. I will continue refining the overall UI/UX through ongoing improvements as well.

Marketing

Until now, my primary focus has been development, but from here onward, I need to put real effort into marketing as well.

First, I’ll be strengthening ASO (App Store Optimization) to make sure the app reaches the people it’s meant for. Since one of the core goals of this project is to help broaden interest in ikebana, it’s especially important that the app reaches adults seeking cultural learning opportunities.

I’ve also heard that quite a few business owners have begun exploring ikebana, so I want to consider ways to reach that group as well.

Although I’m not very comfortable with social media, I’d like to start sharing behind-the-scenes content—such as the model creation process, how flowers and styles are built, and videos of arranging pieces in the app—to help convey the charm of the experience.

In 2026, I plan to treat development and marketing as two equal pillars in growing the app.

Looking Toward 2026

In 2026, rather than focusing only on adding new features, I want to make it a year of solidifying the foundation needed for the app’s long-term growth.

Along with refining the core experience, I plan to deepen and expand the content: providing intuitive learning paths for those new to ikebana, enhancing variations for practitioners, and refining the presentation for international users. Where needed, I’ll work with experts to ensure high-quality and accurate information.

Another important pillar is creating features that truly resonate with each different type of user—whether they want to learn ikebana as culture, freely enjoy arranging, or deepen their practice.

And alongside all of that, I’ll be strengthening marketing efforts as well.

Regarding new platforms: One of the questions I received most often was about Android. My plan is to begin development once the overall shape of the iOS version is more stable, to avoid unnecessary rework. I hope to start Android development within 2026. I’m also interested in exploring VR and other environments that could offer unique ways to experience ikebana.

The first release is a milestone, but in many ways, it feels like “now the real work begins.” I plan to keep moving forward carefully and steadily.

Finally

I’ll keep improving Ikebana Lab throughout 2026, step by step. If you’d like to support the project, I’d really appreciate it if you could leave a positive review on the App Store.

And if you notice anything that could be improved, please feel free to send your feedback through the contact form on the official website.

Lastly, one of the main goals of this project is to help more people discover ikebana. If the app can spark curiosity and help expand the community of people interested in this beautiful art form, I would be very happy. I’ll keep working to make that possible.

Thank you again for your support, and I hope you’ll continue to follow the journey of Ikebana Lab.