Kimura’s Garden is located in Saitama Prefecture. It contains some of the most amazing trees i have ever been lucky enough to lie eyes upon. Visiting here was a life dream come true. Enjoy.
*click images to enlarge
Kinwashi Tour Japan Thread
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The attraction of Ishitsuki (trees clinging to a rock):　Express natural beauty of deep mountains in garden
"Ishitsuki (trees clinging to a rock)" is one of the styles of bonsai. It expresses the natural landscape of the trees resisting the strong wind in deep mountains and beaches. Mori Tsuneyoshi, Takase town in Mitoyo city in Kagawa, is well-known as the collect...
March 23, 2011
Masterpieces of Kyoshin-kai:　Special trees of artists have own attractiveness
In "Bonsai Center A...
March 23, 2011
ARTISTS Here are the people who support the world's No. 1 bonsai culture in Takamatsu.
Fumio Ideue（Ideue Kikkoen bonsai garden）
''I will never put my products on t...
January 15, 2010
Yukihiko Konishi
（Konishi Shorakuen bonsai garden）Yukihiko Konishi, owner of Konishi Shora...
January 15, 2010
Kunihiro Kandaka
（Kandaka Fukushoen bonsai garden）Kunihiro Kandaka is the second owne...
January 15, 2010
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BONSAI WORLD A series of articles by The Shikoku Shimbun focuses on the attractions of bonsai which encapsulate small universes in containers.
The more one knows about bonsai, the deeper the world of bonsai becomes. Stories look at the eternal attraction of bonsai from various angles.
The attraction of Ishitsuki (trees clinging to a rock):　Express natural beauty of deep mountains in garden
"Ishitsuki (trees clinging to a rock)" is one of the styles of bonsai. It expre...
March 23, 2011
Pleasure of suiseki; Enjoy "subtle and profound world"
Suiseki is inseparable from bonsai, but it is not really familiar in Shikoku wh...
March 23, 2011
Masterpieces of Kyoshin-kai:　Special trees of artists have own attractiveness
In "Bonsai Center Autumn Festival" held in Takamatsu's Kokubunji town on Septem...
March 23, 2011
Sekikazari (decorating seat or area for bonsai display)　Great ideas captivate fanciers
In bonsai exhibitions, the attraction is not only the tree's quality but also d...
March 23, 2011
Nishikimatsu (cork bark Japanese black pine)（3）Mother tree of Yumenishiki; Easy to grow without much care
Kagawa Bonsai Production Promotion Association sent three bonsai producing are...
October 19, 2010
Nishikimatsu (cork bark Japanese black pine) (2) Yumenishiki; New variety spend 15 years for selection
Kagawa Bonsai Production Promotion Association started to sell the new variety ...
October 19, 2010
Nishikimatsu (cork bark Japanese black pine) (1) Born in Kokubunji Attractiveness such as split trunk and air of ancient tree
Kokubunji area is the birthplace of Nishikimatsu (cork bark Japanese black pine...
October 19, 2010
New form of sightseeing, People pay attention to tours to production area
The main resources for sightseeing in Kagawa are Seto Inland Sea, Shodoshima Is...
July 7, 2010
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BONSAI WORLD A series of articles by The Shikoku Shimbun focuses on the attractions of bonsai which encapsulate small universes in containers.
The more one knows about bonsai, the deeper the world of bonsai becomes. Stories look at the eternal attraction of bonsai from various angles.
Kuromatsu (Japanese black pine)（４）New variety 'Kotobuki,' Popular by its beauty form
'Kotobuki' is a new variety of Kuromatsu (Japanese black pine). It is said that...
July 7, 2010
Kuromatsu (Japanese black pine)（３）Grow by Misho (Bonsai tree grown from seed)　Get dignity over the years
Since Yamadori (collections from mountains) and Shimagi (collections from islan...
July 7, 2010
![Kuromatsu (Japanese black pine)（２）Yamadori (collections from mountains) and Shimagi (collections from islands) [Spice] beyond the technique of people](http://bonsai.shikoku-np.co.jp/en/shugi/assets_c/2010/04/11-2-thumb-201xauto-1046.jpg)
Kuromatsu (Japanese black pine)（２）Yamadori (collections from mountains) and Shimagi (collections from islands) [Spice] beyond the technique of people
There are many ways of cultivating pine bonsai, including natural ways such as Y...
April 26, 2010
Kuromatsu (Japanese black pine)（１）Attractiveness and Characteristic Negligence of Mekiri (bud trimming) ruins the shape
We start a series about Matsu (pine) bonsai with interviews of bonsai growers ab...
April 26, 2010
Goyomatsu（Japanese White Pine）（５）Create a new market 　Using Internet to the world
Konishi Yukihiko, 66 years old, third owner of Konishi Shorakuen Bonsai Garden i...
April 26, 2010
Goyomatsu (Japanese white pine)（４）Cultivate Nasu Goyo, popular for its good-looking in Europe and the United States
Most of the Goyomatsu trees grown in Kinashi and Kokubunji are Ginyatsufusa. Man...
March 1, 2010
Goyomatsu (Japanese white pine)（３）Grow bonsai to be small, Emphasize curve than thickness
At Kitatani Yojoen bonsai garden in Takamatsu's Kinashi town, the third owner, K...
March 1, 2010
Goyomatsu (Japanese white pine)（２）Beyond the century,　Enjoy seeing the Penjing from Zashiki (Japanese style room)
It is not uncommon to find famous bonsai trees such as over 100 years old in the...
March 1, 2010
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BONSAI WORLD A series of articles by The Shikoku Shimbun focuses on the attractions of bonsai which encapsulate small universes in containers.
The more one knows about bonsai, the deeper the world of bonsai becomes. Stories look at the eternal attraction of bonsai from various angles.
Goyomatsu (Japanese white pine)（１）Attractiveness and Character with elegance of 'Queen'
Because of the short needle and beauty of the tree form, it is also called ''Him...
March 1, 2010
Visit an exhibition of prodigious level 'Taikan-ten Exhibition'
We visited the 27th Nippon Bonsai Taikan-Ten Exhibition held at Miyakomesse in K...
March 1, 2010
Winter-season care
Bonsai need careful cultivation, like childrenAfter the annual series of bonsai exhibitions have finished, potted bonsai trees...
February 4, 2009
Masterpieces in Kokubunji township
Dynamic kuromatsu (Japanese black pine) tree stands outThe 20th Green Festa Kokubunji bonsai fair was held at the Tachibana-no-oka spor...
February 4, 2009
Masterpieces in Kinashi area
Expressing natural world in potsThe 25th Kinashi Bonsai and Garden Plants Festival was held between Oct. 19 and ...
February 4, 2009
Visit to key bonsai production center of Takamatsu's Kinashi area
Producers eager to maintain 200-year-old traditionThe Kinashi area, one of Japan's major bonsai production centers, is located in ...
February 4, 2009
Bonsai producers enter new era of competition based on individuality
The Kokubunji township in the city of Takamatsu stands on a long and narrow stri...
February 4, 2009
Great predecessors helped establish present-day prosperity of bonsai
Kagawa Prefecture ranks top in terms of bonsai cultivation in Japan. When did th...
February 4, 2009
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- BONSAI WORLD
BONSAI WORLD A series of articles by The Shikoku Shimbun focuses on the attractions of bonsai which encapsulate small universes in containers.
The more one knows about bonsai, the deeper the world of bonsai becomes. Stories look at the eternal attraction of bonsai from various angles.
Series of bonsai exhibitions to be held, masterpieces on display
Annual bonsai exhibitions are held at the Kinashi and Kokubunji areas of Takamat...
February 4, 2009
'Shohaku,' 'zoki' bonsai encapsulate small universe in containers
The city of Takamatsu, capital of Kagawa Prefecture on Japan's smallest mai...
February 4, 2009
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START BONSAI Professionals offer lessons on bonsai -- the basics, daily care, the fundamentals of appreciating bonsai, etc.
Professionals offer lessons in basic knowledge and techniques, such as means of cultivation, the fundamentals of bonsai appreciation, daily care, etc.
Wiring (2) Change of thickness depend on branch
When the careful preparation as we introduced last time finished, people start ...
December 22, 2010
Wiring (1) Important point to shape trees
For bonsai artists, wiring is the chance to show their skill. The tree's value ...
December 22, 2010
Tsugiki (graｆt) （2）Take a great deal of time and care to trimming and watering
Last time, we introduced the ways and the attraction of Tsugiki (graft). This t...
December 22, 2010
Tsugiki（graft）(1) Breeding with same nature of mother trees
The mail ways to breeding of bonsai trees are Yamadori (collections from mount...
December 22, 2010
Display （1） Intimateness; Sole bonsai center managed by JA in Japan
To cultivate tree is fundamental to bonsai but display for sales promotion is a...
September 3, 2010
Care in Spring　（３） Chinese Juniper: Transplant advance the tree in rank
When Someiyoshino cherry trees start to bloom, transplanting of Shohaku (trees ...
September 3, 2010
Care in Spring （２） Zoki (trees except Pinacese and Cupressaceae); drastic cutting
In spring, trees which remained dormant during the winter start to move and it ...
September 3, 2010
Care in Spring （1）Thinning out the needles promote photosynthesis and prevent disease and pest
Bonsai needs seasonal cares. In springs, trees which remained dormant during th...
September 3, 2010
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- beginners' level
- How to choose a good tree, material
START BONSAI Professionals offer lessons on bonsai -- the basics, daily care, the fundamentals of appreciating bonsai, etc.
How to choose a good tree, material
March 2, 2009
What is important in starting bonsai planting is to choose a good tree. Advice from professionals will help beginners assess the future growth of the tree. Sixty-year-old Kiyoshi Hiramatsu, owner of the Hiramatsu Seijuen bonsai garden in Takamatsu's Kokubunji area, discusses how to choose a tree in launching ''matsu'' (pine) bonsai.
A more than 100-year-old kuromatsu (Japanese Black Pine) tree collected from a mountain.
Selection of trees
In the case of ''kuromatsu'' (Japanese Black Pine), a low-growing tree with a thick root is basically better. Also important is to look into the subject's edajun branch lineup and nebari visible root spread. It is better to consult with professionals and also to imagine how to fix up the tree by wiring in the future. A young tree with a ganseki rock style of mikihada trunk surface is promising.
A goyomatsu (Japanese White Pine) tree is usually grafted to a mother tree of kuromatsu (Japanese Black Pine). So it is better to choose one whose grafting mark is covert. An ideal tree is one whose joint with its mother tree would become unable to spot as it is getting older. It is better to pick a tree with a thick root which spreads in all directions powerfully. Also important is a good kokejun trunk that tapers off toward the apex. A short-leaved tree without twists is better.
An around 50-year-old kuromatsu (Japanese Black Pine) tree grown from seeds.
A kuromatsu (Japanese Black Pine) tree about 15 years old grown from seeds.
Key factors differ depending on tree forms
Such factors as the nebari root spread, tachiagari lower part of the trunk, nagare flow of the trunk, mikihada trunk surface, edajun order of branches lined up, hasho leaf features and kobokukan antiquity are generally important for koboku aged trees. But the importance of those factors slightly differs depending on tree form.
Moyogi trees with curved upright trunks are popular among bonsai lovers. In general, moyogi trees with natural trunk curves in all directions are said to be better. However, the center of a tree crown should ideally be on the vertical line from the base point of the root. The highlight of a moyogi tree with curved trunk is its harmonious beauty amid bold changes.
Important factors for the chokkan upright style of a round trunk are steady happo nebari roots that spread in eight directions and good kokejun trunk that tapers off toward the apex. Branches with symmetrical appearance are preferred. An elegant tree form would be produced depending on the length and positioning of branches.
Trees of the bunjingi literal style enjoy deep-rooted popularity. Generally, it is said to be better to choose one with a slim, but not thick, trunk with an aged mikihada trunk surface and few branches.
（By Shigeo Hano）
translated by Kyodo News
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On display are a number of master bonsai pieces nurtured over a long period of time and with excellent techniques. Enjoy the rich and figurative art of bonsai.
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On display are a number of master bonsai pieces nurtured over a long period of time and with excellent techniques. Enjoy the rich and figurative art of bonsai.
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On display are a number of master bonsai pieces nurtured over a long period of time and with excellent techniques. Enjoy the rich and figurative art of bonsai.
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Hinoki
Age: about one hundred and fifty yrs Height: 111 cm
Hinoki (Japanese cypress) Hinoki is widely used as a constructi ...
Momiji
Age: about one hundred yrsHeight: seventy-four cm
Momiji (Japanese maple) Red leaves bloom from the tree in April ...
Kuromatsu
Age: about one hundred yrsHeight: Height: one hundred and sixteen cm
Kuromatsu (Japanese black pine) This tree is a masterpiece also ...
Tosho
Age: about two hundred and thirty yrs Height: Height: seventy-two cm
Tosho (Needle juniper) Tosho, an evergreen tree of the cypress ...
Akamatsu Shakan
Age: about one hundred thirtyHeight: 79 cm
Akamatsu Shakan (Japanese red pine with a slanted trunk) The t. ..
Kaede Ishitsuki
Age: about 90 yrs Height: 57 cm
Kaede Ishitsuki (Maple planted on a rock) Among "zoki" deciduou ...
Fuji
Age: about 450 yrs Height:eighty-three cm
450-year-old Fuji (Japanese Wisteria) It is about 450 years old ....
Gansekimatsu
Age: about one hundred eighty yrsHeight: one hundred and sixteen cm
Kuromatsu (Japanese Black Pine) This is a large-sized bonsai tree ...
Aikuromatsu
Age: about two hundred ten yrsHeight: seventy-nine cm
Aikuromatsu (a variety of Japanese Black Pine) This tree has a tr ...
De-Shojo
Age: about 50 yrs Height: 95 cm
Momiji (Japanese Maple) Bright reddish leaves cover a''De-Shojo ...
Kimigayo
Age: one hundred and fifty yrsHeight: sixty-six cm
Ishitsuki Goyomatsu (Japanese white pine planted on a rock) There ...
3rd Shogun
Age: five hundred fifty yrs Height:eighty-one cm
Goyomatsu (Japanese white pine) The Imperial Palace has a site f.
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ARTISTS Here are the people who support the world's No. 1 bonsai culture in Takamatsu.
This introduces people who support the tradition and development of bonsai culture from Takamatsu, the world's No. 1 production center of matsu (pine) bonsai trees.
Fumio Ideue（Ideue Kikkoen bonsai garden）
''I will never put my products on the market if they are poorly finished,''...
January 15, 2010
Yukihiko Konishi
（Konishi Shorakuen bonsai garden）Yukihiko Konishi, owner of Konishi Shorakuen bonsai garden, serves as head of th...
January 15, 2010
Kunihiro Kandaka
（Kandaka Fukushoen bonsai garden）Kunihiro Kandaka is the second owner of Kandaka Fukushoen bonsai garden. He...
January 15, 2010
Mitsuo Matsuda（Matsuda Seishoen）
Mitsuo Matsuda, fourth owner of Matsuda Seishoen, said he should think as if he ...
December 24, 2009
Koji Hiramatsu（Hiramatsu Shunshoen bonsai garden）
Kuniaki Hiramatsu, the third owner of the Hiramatsu Shunshoen, has honed hi...
October 13, 2009
Yoichi Nakanishi（Nakanishi Chinshoen bonsai garden）
Yoichi Nakanishi, the fifth owner of the Nakanishi Chinshoen bonsai garden,...
October 13, 2009
Keiji Kandaka（Kandaka Shojuen bonsai garden）
The fourth owner of the Kandaka Shojuen bonsai garden, Keiji Kandaka, grew ...
October 13, 2009
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ARTISTS Here are the people who support the world's No. 1 bonsai culture in Takamatsu.
This introduces people who support the tradition and development of bonsai culture from Takamatsu, the world's No. 1 production center of matsu (pine) bonsai trees.
Hiroyoshi Yamaji（Yamaji Sanshoen garden）
Hiroyoshi Yamaji, the second owner of the Yamaji Sanshoen garden, helped his fa...
March 15, 2009
Kiyoshi Hiramatsu（Hiramatsu Shunshoen bonsai garden）
Kiyoshi Hiramatsu was born as the younger son of the then owner of the famous H...
March 15, 2009
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- The attraction of Ishitsuki (trees clinging to a rock):　Express natural beauty of deep mountains in garden
BONSAI WORLD A series of articles by The Shikoku Shimbun focuses on the attractions of bonsai which encapsulate small universes in containers.
The attraction of Ishitsuki (trees clinging to a rock):　Express natural beauty of deep mountains in garden
March 23, 2011
"Ishitsuki (trees clinging to a rock)" is one of the styles of bonsai. It expresses the natural landscape of the trees resisting the strong wind in deep mountains and beaches. Mori Tsuneyoshi, Takase town in Mitoyo city in Kagawa, is well-known as the collector of Ishitsuki (trees clinging to a rock).
Make group planting at will
Mori was fascinated in Ishitsuki (trees clinging to a rock) about 30 years ago. In those days, Ishitsuki (trees clinging to a rock) was unusual style and he was attracted by the technique expressing the nature with trees and stones. He started to collect the stones and grew many trees by cutting. And he drilled a hole into stones and planted trees there.
Bonsai shelf having many Ishitsuki (trees clinging to a rock) in Mitoyo's Takase town
In the parking area of Mori's caterer, there are over 100 trees of Ishitsuki (trees clinging to a rock). He has many Shinpaku (Chinese Juniper) and Sawara (Sawara Cypress). These trees are easy to cling to rocks and the thickness of roots makes little difference so the trees don't break the rocks. He likes a variety called "Ogon Kashiwa (Golden Oak)" in all Shinpaku (Chinese Juniper) trees. The sunlight brightens the leaves into beautiful gold. People can enjoy group planting of wild grasses and trees like Shinpaku (Chinese Juniper) and Ogon Kashiwa (Golden Oak), Nekoyanagi (pussy willow) and Shibazakura (moss phlox), and Boke (Flowering Quince) and Ogon Kashiwa (Golden Oak).
Shinpaku (Chinese Juniper) and Ogon Kashiwa (Golden Oak) planted in Suiganseki (Travertine) whose height is 78 centimeters
Work for most Zoki trees
Suiganseki (Travertine) is good because it soaks up the water well and has the nutrient element of lime stones. Karuishi (pumice stone) is light and manageable, but sometimes it keeps too much water and causes root rot.
The point of care is to make the hole large. Then, it is easy for trees to cling to a rock. In the hole, it is better to put Akadama (red ball soil) and Kakotsuchi (granite soil). However Ishitsuki (trees clinging to a rock) can work for most Zoki (trees except Pinaceae and Cupressaceae), it is difficult to grow pine trees. It is important to water as same as other bonsais, but growers can save their time for watering by putting the Ishitsuki (trees clinging to a rock) in water because the stone soaks the water up.
Mori takes care of his bonsai.
Mori said, "I watch much scenery and reproduce the flavor of landscapes with stones and trees. It is difficult to get good stones recently. But I will try to make varied planting and express the great nature like precipices in China."（By Shigeo Hano） -
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- Masterpieces of Kyoshin-kai:　Special trees of artists have own attractiveness
BONSAI WORLD A series of articles by The Shikoku Shimbun focuses on the attractions of bonsai which encapsulate small universes in containers.
Masterpieces of Kyoshin-kai:　Special trees of artists have own attractiveness
March 23, 2011
In "Bonsai Center Autumn Festival" held in Takamatsu's Kokubunji town on September 18 and 19, the 41st Kokubunji Bonsai division Kyoshin-kai Competition for bonsai artists was held and decided the gold, silver, bronze and creative prize. Visitors appreciate the beautiful shape and the character of special bonsai trees of artists.
Gold prize given to Hiramatsu
Members of Bonsai division reviewed 22 bonsai trees and decided Hiramatsu's Goyomatsu (Japanese white pine) as gold prize. They valued the powerful atmosphere of grafted Miyajimagoyo tree on Kuromatsu (Japanese black pine) over 40 years, its perfect shape, and great cares for cultivation.
Hiramatsu's Goyomatsu (Japanese white pine) won the gold prize
All judges said, "Although the pot is a little bit small for the tree, it develops over time and fits in a pot. It is the best condition at this moment."
Hiramatsu said, "I could make the tree to have the distinctive needles of Miyajimagoyo. The judges had gained an appreciation to its trunk pattern by the long-term cultivation in a pot and its delicate branching."
Silver prize given to Mashima and Yamaji
Two people won the silver prize. The one is Mashima Yoshimi of Mashima Horticulture Garden. His Kuromatsu (Japanese black pine) is wild tree of island in Seto Inland Sea and has been in a pot for 40 years. People can enjoy the dynamic Nebari (condition of roots of a tree visible out of the surface of dirt) from the front and back. The split and old decayed trunk also has own attractiveness.
Mashima's Kuromatsu (Japanese black pine) won the silver prize
The other is Yamaji Hiroyoshi of Sanshoen Bonsai Garden. It is estimated that his Ichii (Japanese yew) is over 200 years old. The Shari (decayed trunk), Jin (perished branch) and cavity of the tree has beautiful natural shape. This old tree still has Jusei (a state of its development). So it is expected the tree will get the great flavor before winter.
Yamaji's Ichii (Japanese yew) won the silver prize
The bronze prize was given to a Kuromatsu (Japanese black pine) of Mashima Takeru of Mashimaen Bonsai Garden and a Goyomatsu (Japanese white pine) of Okada Yoshikazu of Koshoen Bonsai Garden. The creative prize was given to a Kuromatsu (Japanese black pine) of Kohiga Keiji of Kohiga Horticulture Garden.
Most of these trees will be exhibited at the 23rd Green Festa Kokubunji in Kokubunji town from October 22 through the 24.　Visitors will enjoy the great flavors of these trees.（By Shigeo Hano） -
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- Sekikazari (decorating seat or area for bonsai display)　Great ideas captivate fanciers
BONSAI WORLD A series of articles by The Shikoku Shimbun focuses on the attractions of bonsai which encapsulate small universes in containers.
Sekikazari (decorating seat or area for bonsai display)　Great ideas captivate fanciers
March 23, 2011
In bonsai exhibitions, the attraction is not only the tree's quality but also display called "Sekikazari (decorating seat or area for bonsai display)." At Green Festa Kokubunji held in Takamatsu's Kokubunji town at the end of October, many bonsai fanciers enjoyed the elaborate displays. We interviewed Hiramatsu Kiyoshi, the owner of Seijuen Bonsai Garden in Kokubunji town, about attraction of Sekikazari (decorating seat or area for bonsai display).
Greatness of tradition
A Kuromatsu (Japanese black pine) of Tsutsui Nobuo in Toyonaka town in Mitoyo city was given the highest award, Award of the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. This tree is Moyogi (trees having trunks draw curves in pattern) which is 60 centimeters high and over 100 years old, and has good Edajun (Necessary branches lines up in order). For utilizing the narrow space as a tatami mat, Siebold's stonecrop having pretty flowers was used as Soe (companion plant) and it made main Kuromatsu (Japanese black tree) bigger and gave great flavor. The Chinese pot is not so old, but its tasteful color brings out the flavor of Kuromatsu (Japanese black pine). The traditional display also shows us the greatness of nature.
Kuromatsu (Japanese black tree) given the Award of the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
The Award of Minister of the Environment was given to Akamatsu (Japanese red pine) of Ashida Takamatsu in Kitoku town in Zentsuji city. It has the unique strong tempestuousness of Yamadori (collections from mountains). The Shari (decayed trunks) of Tachiagari (the lowest part of the trunk from which a plant grows up) has the ancient atmosphere and flavor. Probably the idea to utilize the big decay was evaluated and the tree received the Award of Minister of the Environment. The pot has the depth suitable for the tree's shape. However he used Tsuta (Japanese Ivy) whose leaves changed color as Soe (companion plant), it is better to use the older tree for bringing out the main tree.
It will gain the flavor after 10 or 20 years.
Akamatsu (Japanese red pine) given the Award of Minister of the Environment
Shohin shows great assersion
The Award of Chief of Agricultural Production Bureau of Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries was given to a Shohin bonsai of Yamada Minoru in Tsuda town in Sanuki city.
Shohin given the Award of Chief of Agricultural Production Bureau of Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
He used Kuromatsu (Japanese black tree) as the main tree and also used Kuchinashi (gardenia), Chirimen-Kazura (Trachelospermum asiaticum 'Chirimen'), and Chojubai (Japanese quince) which express autumn. These trees are big so Shinpaku (Chinese juniper) on Nejoku (table like roots) keeps balance by its position. The trees have the same directionality to the main tree so it feels like simple. The main Kuromatsu (Japanese black pine) and Shinpaku (Chinese juniper) are on a national level and other trees are also perfect. It shows his powerful assertion.（By Shigeo Hano） -
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- Nishikimatsu (cork bark Japanese black pine)（3）Mother tree of Yumenishiki; Easy to grow without much care
BONSAI WORLD A series of articles by The Shikoku Shimbun focuses on the attractions of bonsai which encapsulate small universes in containers.
Nishikimatsu (cork bark Japanese black pine)（3）Mother tree of Yumenishiki; Easy to grow without much care
October 19, 2010
Kagawa Bonsai Production Promotion Association sent three bonsai producing areas,　Kinashi, Kokubunji and Ryonan, one each of mother trees of Yumenishiki which was new variety of Nishikimatsu (corek bark Japanese black pine) and developed by them in 2000. In Takamatsu's Kokubunji town, Ayada Tadashi and his son, Tadahito, keep and grow it.
The trunk of excellent quality
Tadashi opened the Ryoshoen Bonsai Garden and he has 50 years' experience of bonsai. He has mainly grown Nishikimatsu (cork bark Japanese black pine) and 70 percent of his trees are still Nihisikimatsu (cork bark Japanese black pine). Tadahito was in bonsai section when he worked in Japan Agriculture Cooperatives. He started working with his father when he resigned it in 2006.
Tadashi is one of the good grafters in Kokubunji and there are shelves of young seedlings grafted by him. With the estimation for the technique, he had probably been selected as the grower who keeps the valuable mother tree.
"The most important thing for Nishikimatsu (cork bark Japanese black pine) is quality of trunks. This pine tree has the trunk of excellent quality. It's hard and its split is magnificent. The needles also have good quality such as thinness and dark-green color." Tadashi told many attractions of Yumenishiki.
Ayada Tadashi and Tadahito taking care of Yumenishiki in Ryoshoen Bonsai Garden in Takamatsu's Kokubunji town
Get air like ancient tree within short time
Yumenishiki grows fast so it gets the air like ancient tree soon. In 3 or 4 years after grafting, it will get the good shape and also atmosphere like masterpiece.
By the experience of sales in JA, Tadahito says, "It goes against the tide that people spend 50 or 60 years to grow a tree. I think trees which grow fast will be welcomed from now on. It's important for us to have not only artistic and expensive bonsai but also reasonable one. I think the main point to regain popularity is easiness of growing and improvement. It's interesting to find reasonable tree and grow it into the excellent bonsai with great care."
The mother tree of Yumenishiki whose height is 53 centimeters
Some people think it is difficult to grow Yumenishiki. This is the reason why it is unpopular among the people. But Tadashi has a different idea. He said, "This is a kind of Nishikimatsu (cork bark Japanese black pine) so we don't have to do wiring for the tree. Compared with other pine trees, you can save a lot of time. All you need to do is to understand its nature. It's easy to grow."
Shohin (small-sized) and Chuhin (middle-sized) bonsai grow fast and can be shipped soon so they are getting the popularity. "Yumenishiki will be the mainstream of Nishikimatsu (cork bark Japanese black pine) from now on," they said with one voice.（By Shigeo Hano） -
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- An 800 year-old Bonsai tree at Shunkaen, by Kunio Kobayashi
A remarkable tree which is well known for its extremely high age; the tree is reported to be over 800 years old! Its owner, master Kobayashi, is one of the most well known Bonsai artists in the world and has won the prestigious Prime Minister award in Japan 4 times. His nursery, ShunkaEn, is located in Tokyo and is open to visitors. For more information, click here! - Goshin "protector of the spirits", by John Naka
Goshin ("protector of the spirit") is a bonsai created by John Y. Naka. It is a forest planting of eleven Foemina Junipers, the earliest of which Naka began training into bonsai in 1948. Naka donated it to the National Bonsai Foundation in 1984, to be displayed at the United States National Arboretum; it has been there ever since. The tree is posted in our Top Bonsai gallery. - Small Bonsai; a Shohin tree by Morten Albek
A gorgeous Rockspray Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster horisontalis). This is a picture taken in spring; the tree flowers in summer and has small red berries in wintertime. The tree is only 9,5 cm (4 inches) high and is planted on a miniature rock. The pot is made by John Pitt, a famous potter. The tree is about 20 years old on the picture and has been in training for about a decade. For more information, click here! - Pinus Silvestris, by Stefano Frisoni
This tree is remarkably realistic, a character highly valued for Bonsai trees. As you can see, the foliage pads are very dense, as if it were clouds in the sky. Read the article on how this tree was cultivated and trained here! - Chinese styled trees; a Penjing landscape by Yee-sun Wu
This wonderful Chinese landscape belongs to the Man Lung collection in Hong Kong. The trees are Chinese Bird Plums (Sageretia Theezans) and together make up a very realistic scenery. The trees, rock and miniature figurines are placed on a shallow rectangular pot (made of marble), which in turn is displayed on an antique table. - Flowering Bonsai, by Wolfgang Putz
This tree is an Azalea species of only 14 cm (5 inches) high. The picture is taken in early spring, the moment when Azalea trees bloom (shortly, but very vividly!). The tree is planted in a Japanese pot. - Brazilian rain tree, by Budi Sulistyo
This tree is grown from a small cutting and the result above is a picture taken 12 years later. A native of Central- and South America the Brazilian Rain tree is considered one of the tropical world's most beautiful and also one of the most popular bonsai subjects. Read the article on how this tree was cultivated and trained here! - Mame Bonsai display, by Morten Albek
A Bonsai display (or in this case, a Mame display) normally consist of a central tree, a scroll and an accent plant. Together these objects create a powerful image, often a celebration of the current season. For more information, click here! - Famous Bonsai; a Japanese maple (Acer palmatum), by Walter Pall
One of the most famous Bonsai trees that belongs to the collection of an European Bonsai artist (Walter Pall), this tree is incredibly fine and realistic. The maple is big (almost a meter high, which is the maximum to be called a Bonsai tree) and over a hundred years old. A masterpiece without doubt, styled by an inspiring artist! The tree is posted in our Top Bonsai gallery. - Bonsai master Kimura
Last but not least, Bonsai sensei Masahiko Kimura. His varied collection of Bonsai trees is world famous. Started at age 15, Kimura was an apprentice to master Hamano in Omiya Bonsai village. For more of his fascinating and sometimes unconventional work, click here!
- An 800 year-old Bonsai tree at Shunkaen, by Kunio Kobayashi
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Fuyo-en
On my recient trip to Japan i managed to stop at Fuyo-en in Omiya. Photos below.
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Gafu-ten
Below are some pictures from the Gafu-ten sales area 2011.
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Shunka-en
Shunka-en is the bonsai museum of Kunio Kobayash located in Tokyo. A very high standard of trees and a beautiful building complex to view them in makes for a fantastic place to visit.
The web site for the nursery is HERE!
Enjoy!
*click images to enlarge
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Omiya
Located just outside of Tokyo, Omiya holds home to several nurseries in an area that is famous for bonsai.
Normally photography in Omiya bonsai village is prohibited, I was lucky enough to be allowed to take a few photos at some selected nurseries.
Enjoy.
*click images to enlarge
