Mrs. Lefcourte a native of Osaka, began the study of Japanese traditional arts at the age of 4 from her father, a noted teacher of his day. Her coursework included Ikebana, the tea ceremony ( chano-yu ) and utai, a traditional form of recitative singing for Noh dramas.

After studies with Headmaster Ikenobo in Kyoto, Mrs. Lefcourte became the first Instructor of her style to be sent abroard to teach Ikebana. Atsuko sensei lived and taught in New York for years until her relocation to Florida in 1975.

She tirelessly shared her enthusiasmm for her art until her untimely demise in 1998.