End-of-Life Planning: A Living Will with a Bouquet of Gratitude

1. The Story Behind Creating the 'Living Will Bouquet'

My father is a Buddhist priest. Influenced by him, I've always believed that being conscious of death connects us to living the present to its fullest. We never know when we might die or what might happen. Therefore, the desire to live each day to its fullest and to serve others has always been at the foundation of my creative work.

I witnessed the sudden death of a close friend and her devastated family. I wondered how much her heart must have been filled with thoughts of her loved ones. What words would she have wanted to say to the important people in her life, having passed away without a chance to say goodbye? It was then I realized that giving shape to one's words and feelings for loved ones is a truly important act.

Precisely because we are alive now, organizing our thoughts by imagining death leads to cherishing ourselves and reflecting on the gratitude we feel for the people around us. I want to deliver creations that capture and complete these feelings. Please allow me to give shape to your words as a one-of-a-kind work of art.

2. The Process of Creating Your Living Will

① Hearing: We listen to your feelings. What kind of person are you? To whom do you want to leave your feelings, and what are they? First, please tell me your story.

② Word Selection: What feelings do you want to express, and with what words? We will ask you to consider this. If you can't find the right words, we can offer suggestions based on our conversation.

③ Design: What color should the bouquet be? Do you have specific flowers in mind? We will inquire about your other preferences.

④ Creation: Once the work is written, we will send you a photo for confirmation. If it doesn't match your vision, we can create it again.

⑤ Completion: Your one-of-a-kind living will is complete.

3. Artwork Examples

I will introduce some works that I have written, filled with a multitude of emotions.

Example 1: To a son leaving the nest for a new job

This piece was for a son who, after many hardships, became independent and found a job. The first gift he ever gave his mother with his first paycheck was a bouquet filled with gerberas, carnations, and many other colorful flowers. I created this piece as a bouquet that will not fade or wilt. Despite all the difficulties, he is still her precious son.

This work is filled with many thanks and cheers of encouragement for him.

*The name has been obscured.

Example 2: A protective charm from a mother to her daughter who is getting married

My daughter has been a genuine 'mama's girl,' always attached to me since she was little.

She grew so much by mustering the courage to leave my side. Even now as an adult, she says she always wonders, 'What would Mom say to me at a time like this?' That's why I gave her this painting.

The meaning behind it is that when my daughter's life is smooth sailing, I hope it serves as a lovely piece of interior art. But here is my deepest wish. For those times when my daughter is heartbroken, wants to cry, or feels anger, sadness, or pity... I want this to be her eternal support, an encouragement from her beloved mother whom she cannot see right away, for when she wonders, 'What would Mom say?' I hope it helps her to 'become stronger after the rain.' I want her to get back up even if she falls. A time will come when I too will leave this world, so I wanted to make it a gift like an 'eternal charm.'

*The photo of the work is posted with the customer's permission.

Example 3: To my beloved husband and children

I want to meet my late husband again in the next life and the life after that. I am grateful to him for being the most beloved husband, the best father, and for our wonderful family. Filled with overflowing love for each of my four children.

4. Price List

*Please inquire directly for other sizes. Prices include the frame.

For the 'Bouquet of Gratitude' living will, there are two types of frames. The frames, handmade one by one by craftsmen using ash wood from Hokkaido, are our company's original design.

They gently envelop the feelings of the person who commissioned the work and are frames that will deepen in character over time.

'Field of Gratitude' Size / Large Ash Frame
'Bouquet of Gratitude' Size / Small Ash Frame

5. Bouquet of Gratitude / Artist kouhi Profile

Born to a Buddhist priest father and a calligrapher mother.

She is a master calligrapher and a recipient of the Mainichi Exhibition award. She began her career in 2009 as an artist creating 'Hana Moji Kaiga' (flower character paintings) that fuse painting and calligraphy. She has been active in many forms, including solo exhibitions and workshops. She creates her 'Bouquet of Gratitude' flower character paintings with the heartfelt wish, 'May everyone be happy, may their hearts be filled with kindness.'

The inspiration for the 'Bouquet of Gratitude'

The inspiration for the 'Bouquet of Gratitude' was Mother's Day. It was a single piece I created for my mother. A simple 'thank you' was not enough for my mother who has always supported me, so I turned my overflowing gratitude into a bouquet, with each flower representing a part of that feeling. That is the origin of the flower character painting, 'Bouquet of Gratitude.'

[Exhibition Information]

'Bouquet of Gratitude Solo Exhibition'

June 15 (Mon) - July 31 (Fri), 2026

Location: FIKA CAFE Lagom
1st Floor, Fairfield by Marriott Sapporo
Minami 4-jo Higashi 1-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo

[For Members of the Press]

Event coverage and artist interviews are available.

[Contact]

Company Name: Sachi&Aki Corporation (Bouquet of Gratitude)
Representative Director: Sachiko Tanaka (Artist: kouhi)
Business: Production and sale of flower character paintings.
HP: sachiaki.co.jp

Bouquet of Gratitude
https://sachiaki.co.jp/

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