Born in Japan, Naoko Ishizaki came to this country in 1976. After completing college she began classes in Ohara Ikebana in Kobe with Mme. Fumiko Kataoka who was a pupil of Houn Ohara at Rikugoken in Kobe. After her move to the United States she studied with Grandmaster Suiyo Fujimoto under whose guidance she achieved her current rank of 1st Associate Master's Degree. Naoko participates in the annual Cherry Blossom Festival Ikebana Exhibition in San Francisco's Japan Town. She is an active member of the Ikebana Teachers Federation, Ikebana International, North American Ohara Teachers Association, and the Ohara Ikebana School of Northern California Chapter. She resides in Burlingame.