Is your style more European or Japanese?
I began my apprenticeship at 16, in Copenhagen, by the time I was 20 I was already an “educated” flower designer. But then I fell in love with Japan and moved to Tokyo. Nowadays, my style is very Scandinavian, with a strong Japanese sensibility to details.
What do you like the most about working in Japan?
People have a sincere appreciation of flowers. Of course we have seasons in Western countries like they have here, but the Japanese are much more focused on them because of their traditions. For me it’s a double joy when my customers not only enjoy what I do, but also understand it deeply.
© Nicolai Bergmann K.K.
Where do you find your inspiration?
Mostly in nature. I spend a lot of time in the mountains. That’s why I decided to build a park in Hakone, close to mount Fuji – open from April 2022 – where people can go and relax in the green. I planted 2,000 hydrangeas there, my favourite flower.
Can you describe your creative process?
I don't sketch, I'm an “on-the-spot” kind of guy. I always work in the same way, starting either from the choice of flowers or from the base, whenever I find a beautiful one. In the case of the latter, I pick flowers that will match it.