Haruka

Sometimes it only takes a small step to deepen your connection with flowers. Haruka Kawashima’s work started with just making flower arrangements with friends. When more and more people wanted to join in, she decided to branch out and explore this world further.

As Haruka started working with flowers consistently, she felt as though she could hear them communicating that they had more potential beyond how long we typically appreciate them in bloom.  

“I sensed their sadness when they were simply thrown away after they withered. They were telling me their true purpose is to bring beauty and joy for as long as possible, as fresh flowers or as dried ones.”

The more that Haruka works with flowers, the stronger she believes this message is. She wants to help others realize that we can upcycle flowers and extend their lifespan. 

“If we, as humans, choose to grow plants, then I believe it’s our responsibility to care for them and honor them until the very end. Especially in a world of mass production, this is a role and responsibility we must take seriously.”

Rin Flower Studio takes cut flowers and dyes them, letting us enjoy their color for longer so that we don’t throw them away as quickly. The processes they use breathe new life into flowers that shops would have been unable to sell otherwise and discarded. 

“By caring for flowers, we also care for ourselves and as we nurture plants, we also nurture our own mind and emotions.”

A film by Camilla Fantinati.
Filmed by Camilla Fantinati and Paola Desiderio.
Produced by Paola Desiderio and Camilla Fantinati.
Music by Massimo Fantinati.
Edited by Camilla Fantinati.
Translated by Shota Komine.
Executive Producers: Art Parkerson and Laura Christian.

Special Thanks to:
Haruka Kawashima
Shiho Yoshigaki
Kazuya Yoshigaki
Marika Sakuma