Our ninth guest is flower artist Nicolai Bergmann. He is one of Japan's most famous flower artists, inspiring many with his unique world, a fusion of the sensibility honed in Denmark and Japanese culture. Recently, he has expanded his activities beyond flower shops to include an interior and lifestyle shop in Tokyo Midtown and flower design production for hotels. We explore the charm of Nicolai.

Japanese Culture is Very Stimulating

ItoThis is a lovely atelier. The energy flowing within this space is so warm. For me, energy is visible as colors, and the orange, pink, and blue are beautifully mixed, with many flower fairies present. Did you grow up surrounded by flowers from a young age?


NicolaiI first came to Japan to visit acquaintances related to my father's work after graduating from flower business school in Denmark. I stayed for about three months and then returned to Denmark, but I couldn't forget how much I enjoyed my experience in Japan, so I came back a year later. I only intended to stay for a year, but it's already been 12 years! (laughs)

Every Time Flowers Wilt, a New Joy of Arranging Flowers is Born

ItoIs the perception of flowers different between Denmark and Japan?

NicolaiYes. While Japan has a traditional flower culture, it feels like people rarely arrange flowers themselves anymore. Fresh flowers are mostly for gifts or celebrations. In Europe, on the other hand, many people buy flowers for themselves. For example, they might buy flowers on a Friday to enjoy over the weekend. I also bring flowers home when I return, and enjoy them at home.

ItoWhat is the appeal of flowers for you, Nicolai?

NicolaiFor example, if you bring home a beautiful rose and it wilts in two days, you might think, "Oh..." But for me, when it wilts, it's on to the next! Flowers are living things, so they will eventually wilt. However, when a flower dies, it creates the joy of arranging a new one. I think that's the charm of flowers. Of course, there's also the enjoyment of finding ways to make them last longer.



NicolaiFlower boxes originally started because a customer requested a large order for a gift, and they asked if there was a way to handle it since they didn't have space to store them. That's how we began making them.

ItoThat inspiration is amazing.

Preserved Flowers Allow What Fresh Flowers Cannot

ItoThis rose is also lovely.

NicolaiThis rose is made by taking 12 roses, separating them, and then combining them into one.

ItoI thought it was a large rose, but it wasn't just one!

NicolaiYes (laughs). It's quite intricate work. The thorns around the base are real rose thorns attached with glue. In that sense, preserved flowers are good because they allow for slightly unusual designs and things that cannot be done with fresh flowers.


ItoWow! Where do you get the inspiration for works like these?




Nicolai Bergmann
Flower Artist
Born in Denmark in 1976. After studying at a flower business school in Denmark, he came to Japan through his father's work connections. In 2001, he launched the flower shop 'Nicolai Bergmann Flowers & Design,' and currently operates three stores in Roppongi Hills, Yurakucho, and Shinjuku in Tokyo. He also has 'Nicolai Bergmann Sum,' a shop in Tokyo Midtown where he selects and produces items himself. Furthermore, he handled the flower design production for the entire Shangri-La Hotel Tokyo, the last five-star hotel to open in Tokyo.

Reika Ito | ITO Reika
Representative of Divine / Spiritual Healer
After working in product planning, advertising, and corporate planning at a company dealing in apparel accessories, she began her activities as a lightworker, performing channeling with the spirit world and reading the subconscious. Depending on the consultation, she also offers healing, hypnotherapy, and destiny readings that combine multiple astrological techniques. She holds private sessions and full moon & new moon workshops in Jiyugaoka. Her books include 'Synchronicity,' 'Destiny Alteration Techniques,' and 'Lucky Business Feng Shui Manual.' www.divine-msg.com