Kazuhiro Sugimoto Will Represent Japan
Kazuhiro Sugimoto is the official FTD World Cup 2019 competitor for Japan. Initially he was not interested in flowers when he started working at his parents’ flower shop in 1998; Kazuhiro just wanted to take over his family’s business. That same year, however, he met his master, Mieko Yoshino, and that was all it took to change his mind. Kazuhiro was very impressed with Mieko’s design and thoughts, and he became her apprentice.
His design signature is minimalism – Kazuhiro excels at making dramatic flower designs with minimum materials. As a Japanese flower designer, he likes to incorporate a sense of authentic Japanese beauty and the technique of space into his work.
Kazuhiro’s beautiful work has earned him many accolades over the years. In 2006, he placed second for the Bridal Bouquet & Jury’s Special Award – Japan Flower Design Award. Two years in a row (2011 & 2012), he placed second for the Bridal Bouquet & FDF Award – Japan Flower Design Award. One year later, he placed first for the Bridal Bouquet & Prize of Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries – Japan Flower Design Award; and received the second place award at the Flower Dream JAL Cup.
In 2014, Kazuhiro’s recognitions and accomplishments continued. He was an artwork designer for the cover of the monthly magazine, Florist. Other honors that year included serving on the Jury for Florist Review 2014, winning at the International Floral Art, and receiving the Taipei International Flower Design Award.
In the last few years, Kazuhiro received first place at the Flower Dream JAL Cup (2016); Bronze Leaf for International Floral Art (2016); Demonstrator for the 50th Anniversary of Nippon Flower Designers’ Association (2017); first place for the Bridal Bouquet & Prize of Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries – Japan Flower Design Award (2017); first place at the Flower Dream JAL Cup (2018); and winner of Japan’s qualifying competition for the Interflora World Cup 2019.
Other than floral design, Kazuhiro is also interested in fashion, architecture, arts and movies, which provide inspiration to his work. Currently, he offers lessons and works on event displays, weddings and demonstrations all over Japan.
Kazuhiro Sugimoto is representing Japan on behalf of FTD.
View Kazuhiro’s full biography here.
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