Today was our tour’s “culture” day, and we traveled from Tokyo to Nikko. There is more to studying bonsai art than just looking at little trees. I believe many different areas of study or exposure, not immediately apparent to the casual student, add significantly to the overall appreciation of bonsai.

A private bus picked us up from the Bullet train in Utsunomiya and we traveled to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Nikko high in the mountains of Tochigi Prefecture. Nikko is a beautiful city featuring the famous Toshogu Shrine which was established in 1617 as the burial site of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, however there were many other shrines in Nikko, some established in 766.

One of the focal points of Nikko is a street lined with Cryptomeria leading up to the Toshogu Shrine. Over 200,000 Cryptomeria were planted in a ten year period by a member of the Matsudaira family about 400 years ago. Only about 13,000 trees remain today and are similar to the Coast redwoods of California, only smaller. Looking at these stately 400 year old trees one can see the natural growth habits which are important to consider when styling bonsai.

There were numerous sets of steep steps leading to the colorful old shrines and temples. A couple of the significant building were covered as they were being repaired to preserve or restore the beautiful detailed carvings. Large mature ancient specimens of Cryptomeria and Japanese umbrella pine were planted throughout the compounds.

The tallest tree is an ancient specimen of Japanese umbrella pine, Sciadopitys verticillata. This is a high quality garden tree used in American landscapes, but I’ve never seen one this tall.

Broad needle foliage of Japanese umbrella pine

The original carvings of the “hear no evil, see no evil and speak no evil” appeared in the carvings on one of the buildings. Many of the carvings were of Chinese origin and quite colorful. Large buildings and structures were originally gifts from China, Korea, Holland and other countries.

The temperature was nearly 90F, but in the mountains it was a bit cooler, but still hot. Most of us sat out the trip to see the burial site of Tokugawa Ieyasu because there were more than 255 steep steps leading up to the site. I don’t want to break my foot again, six times is enough, my original break was in Japan several years ago.

We boarded our bus and traveled up a winding road most of us would not even attempt in a small vehicle to see Kegon Waterfall. Colorful flowering azaleas, rhododendrons and other deciduous species dotted the sides of the mountains. When we reached the top we took an elevator 100 meters down to the bottom viewing area for the waterfall, and there were still steps we had to travel. Although breathtaking to most visitors, I can drive an hour and a half to see Niagara Falls one of the seven wonders of the world. It’s interesting that Niagara Falls also has an elevator to the bottom and also the Maid of the Mist boat which takes you right up to the roaring falls. Finally we saw Lake Chuzenji before driving the large bus down the winding road.

Since this is a Satsuki bonsai tour a few bonsai photos are included. Here is a preview of three different exhibitions we visited the next day.

43^rd Kanuma Satsuki Festival

The main reason our tour traveled to Japan is to see Satsuki azalea bonsai. The 43^rd Kanuma Satsuki Festival is probably the largest in Japan. It is held on the grounds of the Kanuma City Kaboku Center. The two acre complex includes: a permanent exhibition and sales area over a half acre alone, one and a half acre area auction area, and greenhouses. Additionally the complex has a garden tree sales field of seven acres, additional greenhouses, restaurant and a 66 acre wild bird forest, plus more. This is a truly unique center for Satsuki azalea bonsai production, exhibitions and sales. It’s the finest, largest and most complete garden center I’ve had the pleasure of visiting, I only wish shopping for plants was permitted for foreigners.

The temperature was 93F, which I’ve been told is not normal for this time of the year. The humidity was high as well with strong sun beating down on visitors. On my way to one of the dozens of vending machines to get a Japanese ice tea I passed another building selling wine. Although I don’t drink wine, I popped my head to see if they had anything else, and boy was I surprised! There was an excellent selection of bonsai display tables. There were several multi level shohin box tables, wooden slabs as well as others. After looking at them carefully I did not see any which would be different additions to my bonsai table collection, so I moved around looking to see what else they were selling. In the back of the store I found two caved root stands. The larger stand looked new like it was carved from a triangular piece of wood, while the smaller one is now in my hand carried luggage. I’ll have it for sale when I return home.

I could not believe the people shopping. There were carts full of Satsuki as well as other bonsai, vegetables, bedding plants, orchids, fruit tree as well as other items. The customers seemed to all have smiles leaving and I’m certain the Kanuma City Kaboku Center proprietors did as well.

The Satsuki exhibition was held in a large building and outdoors in special display buildings which look like two sided sheds on the ground floor. These are often used for chrysanthemum and other outdoor exhibits with a covered roof for protection. The outdoor exhibit consisted of seven long rows of bonsai, while the indoor exhibit had five long rows plus two large table areas where the smaller trees were displayed. Some of the trophy awards were actually larger than the Satsuki.

There seemed to be two different types of displays, those trained as traditional bonsai and others which were tall bushes where the flowers are to be appreciated. Even those taller bushier specimens, however, had training and looked like the beginnings of bonsai training. I think new cultivars are shown this way to make them popular for sale.

It’s interesting that among all the several Satsuki exhibitions we visited very few shohin bonsai size were shown. Perhaps I missed them or they were displayed in another area.

The Satsuki shown in the long rows, both indoors and out were traditional formal bonsai displays with companion plantings. Often two well developed Satsuki bonsai were displayed together, remember this is a Satsuki exhibition, not a bonsai exhibition. Nearly every style possible was represented, but I only saw a couple of Satsuki featuring dead wood because it rots away and is not permanent.

FuGa Bonsai Exhibition

Usually our tours enjoy unexpected surprises. One of the additional unscheduled visits this time was to the FuGa Bonsai Exhibition sponsored by S-Cube, Seiji Morimae’s business. This elegant exhibition of fine quality bonsai was in the Kanuma City Kaboku Center complex, up at the top of a small hill, more stairs, in a specially built exhibition building by the Tochigi Prefecture.

Everything Mr. Morimae does is beautiful and with class, including this bonsai exhibition of his study group and clients. There were five long rows of individual alcove areas with plain backgrounds. Unlike all the other Satsuki exhibitions, most individual displays had hanging scrolls and companion plantings. This was a formal bonsai exhibition, complete with a pleasant mix of classical music, not the Japanese type Americans use in shows.

Mr. Morimae’s entire family and staff were on hand to make visitors feel welcome, guide them around, answer questions and make sales. The center of the building had two areas of fine quality bonsai, display tables, companion plantings and art for sale. Also there was another table with quality display tables and books for sale as well.

Seasonality is of paramount importance in Japanese style display. Included in the formal displays were a planting of young rice plants displayed by Mr. Morimae’s daughter who speaks English and numerous early summer flowering perennials. Several blooming Hydrangea were shown as were a few suiseki. Mr. Morimae answered all of our questions and pointed out a special waterfall suiseki. It was previously owned by Kyuzo Murata, one of my teachers and after the war it was in the collection of Saburo Kato. A hanging scroll with calligraphy was used along with a small bronze boat figurine. It’s interesting that he had an explanation of the calligraphy and display on the exhibit label. Many Japanese find it difficult to understand or translate the calligraphy used in scrolls for bonsai display. The calligraphy is hand drawn with elegant style and often includes poetry. Mr. Morimae knows this and it was quite considerable of him to provide the explanation. His daughter translated it for us, but we got the general idea directly from Mr. Morimae.

This is the 4^th FuGa Bonsai Exhibition and I’ve featured them in past issues of International BONSAI. Of course, formal, better photos will be in future issues as well. So if you want to see professional photos complete with informative captions you will need to subscribe, and you can easily do this at:

http://www.internationalbonsai.com/product/IBM

19^th Utsunomiya Satsuki & Flower Fest

67^th Tochigi Prefecture Satsuki Association Exhibition

Well, we had one more unexpected final surprise. We heard about another Satsuki exhibition which was held in Utsunomiya at a “Romantic Village” about half an hour away from our hotel. After asking Mr. Morimae about it he strongly suggested we go as the quality was a bit better than the Satsuki shown at the Kanuma City Kaboku Center Exhibition and Ueno Satsuki Festival. Boy, was he correct! There were no steps and the main exhibition was in an air conditioned greenhouse complex.

Mr. Morimae graciously had one of his staff drive a few of us to the exhibition. It was even over 30 minutes from the FuGa Exhibition. When we left, at closing time in the late afternoon we had a difficult time getting a taxi. So w

e walked a while and stopped in at a Japanese type of Home Depot to call for a taxi. We still needed to wait some time, in the heat and humidity before our ride came. It was another 30 minute taxi ride to our hotel in Utsunomiya, the same city as our hotel. But all the travel was well worth the beauty we saw.

The indoor Satsuki displays were superb as were the individual trees. Although there were a few smaller specimens, no shohin bonsai were shown. The natural lighting coming through the greenhouse ceiling made it difficult to photograph with cross shadows and dark areas. The quality of the display tables and companion plantings were far superior to the other Satsuki exhibitions.

Several Satsuki vendors set up shop in the entrance area as did some container sellers and a tool dealer. It’s interesting that at all the Satsuki exhibitions we saw had used bonsai containers for sale. Not antiques, but most had patina and were cleaned.

After passing the sales area there were four long rows of Satsuki on display outdoors. Although most were the tall bushy style, there were a few trained as bonsai. All were beautiful, however and gave us lots to study and had a better appreciation for Satsuki azalea bonsai.

This short, intense Satsuki Bonsai Exhibition Tour is now finished and all the Satsuki were in full blossom featuring a multitude of different colors, often on the same plant. Although it was unusually hot, I’ve experienced even hotter weather in Japan a few years ago when I brought Jonathan Singer to Japan to photograph trees for our book Fine Bonsai.

Our group of 14 tour members were great and we all got along well. Kora Dalager did a superb job organizing the hotels and transportation. Should there be interest we would consider repeating the Satsuki Bonsai Exhibition Tour again. I hope everyone enjoyed seeing my photos and personal commentary and thoughts. Remember, if you want to see finer professional quality photos with detailed information you can subscribe to International BONSAi at:

http://www.internationalbonsai.com/product/IBM

The 2104 Nashville Regional Bonsai Expo will be held on July 12-13^th at the Cheekwood Botanical Garden, in Nashville, Tennessee. Over 50 bonsai from the southeast will be displayed along with kusamono.

Guest artists for the event are Jim Doyle, Young Choe and Owen Reich who also heads the event. In addition to lecture/demonstrations by Jim Doyle and Young Choe, two kusamono classes will be conducted along with a collected Engleman spruce workshop. A bonsai refinement workshop will also be offered. Jim Doyle will conduct a critique of the displayed bonsai and Young Choe will critique the kusamono.

Jim Doyle

Confirmed vendors for the sales area include: Fedducia’s Bonsai, Bellota Enterprises, MC Squared Ceramics, Glass Art by Jacob, Kusa Farm, Bonsai Unearthed, Lynnwood Gardens, Turnbull Creek Bonsai, Nature’s Way, The American Bonsai Society, Cedar Bog Bonsai, New World Horticulture and International Bonsai.

Young Choe

The general and professional division entries promise to have some great bonsai, as in the past events, from the region. Anyone wishing to enter a display in the professional division needs to either work with a bonsai professional regularly or be a professional bonsai artist. Bonsai from the general division will be eligible for the Best of Show Award. Please contact Owen Reich for entering all displays at owenbonsai@me.com

Owen Reich

Nashville Bonsai is the largest bonsai organization in central Tennessee and sponsor of the event, which will be held at the Cheekwood Botanical Garden in Massey Hall. The Nashville Regional Bonsai Expo is free with admission to the Cheekwood Botanical Garden. I look forward to making new friends as well as greeting long time friends at this exciting event. Join us for an enjoyable and educational weekend of bonsai with southern hospitality!

A short video of the 2013 Nashville Regional Bonsai Expo can be located at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTu0gV-tUmg&sns=em

Additional information for the 2014 Nashville Regional Bonsai Expo and registration for the limited workshop openings may be obtained from Owen Reich: owenbonsai@me.com

All Demonstrations FREE With Paid Admission

Daily Admission ^$15

Weekend Pass ^$20 Before September 1^st

Saturday, September 13, 2014

10 am– Oriental Brush Painting

by Dr. Alice Chen, New York

Watch, be amazed as a master artist creates beautiful oriental brush paintings as the color flows off her brush onto the paper. Many of Dr. Chen’s be,autiful paintings are quiet, simple and suitable to be displayed with bonsai and suiseki.

11 am– Ikebana Japanese Flower Arranging

by Professor Jerome Cushman, New York

Ikebana, the ancient Japanese art of flower arranging literally means “living flowers.” Accredited ikebana professor Jerome Cushman will demonstrate how to create arrangements in the modern Ichiyo School of ikebana which gives the viewer an experience with nature that is unexpected, stimulating and profound.

12 pm– Suiseki Japanese Viewing Stones

by Sean L. Smith, Pennsylvania

This year the US National Bonsai Exhibition features an invitational suiseki exhibition. Suiseki are small natural rocks which are appreciated for their shapes and suggestive forms rather than their mineral content. International suiseki authority Sean Smith will show and explain what a suiseki is and how they can be incorporated into a bonsai display.

1 pm–   Creating A Bonsai from Nursery Stock

by Hiroyoshi Yamaji, Japan

Second generation bonsai grower, Hiroyoshi Yamaji from Shikoku Island, Japan. He will demonstrate his skills and artistry as he explains the process of shaping techniques for creating a bonsai from American grown nursery stock. The large size Japanese black pine demonstration tree was container grown in South Carolina for about ten years and has been acclimatized to the severe Upstate New York climate for over five years. Mr. Yamaji will transform the Japanese black pine into a classic bonsai with Alan Adair who will assist him with the wiring. The finished Japanese black pine bonsai will be auctioned at the Saturday evening Award Banquet and

Benefit Auction which will be held at the Holiday Inn- Airport. Limited seating still available.

All Demonstrations FREE With Paid Admission

Daily Admission ^$15 l Weekend Pass ^$20 Before September 1^st

Sunday, September 14, 2014

10 am– Oriental Brush Painting

by Dr. Alice Chen, New York

Watch, be amazed as a master artist creates beautiful oriental brush paintings as the color flows off her brush onto the paper. Many of Dr. Chen’s be,autiful paintings are quiet, simple and suitable to be displayed with bonsai and suiseki.

11 am– Ikebana Japanese Flower Arranging

by Professor Jerome Cushman, New York

Ikebana, the ancient Japanese art of flower arranging literally means “living flowers.” Accredited ikebana professor Jerome Cushman will demonstrate how to create arrangements in the modern Ichiyo School of ikebana which gives the viewer an experience with nature that is unexpected, stimulating and profound.

12 pm– Suiseki Japanese Viewing Stones

by Sean L. Smith, Pennsylvania

This year the US National Bonsai Exhibition features an invitational suiseki exhibition. Suiseki are small natural rocks which are appreciated for their shapes and suggestive forms rather than their mineral content. International suiseki authority Sean Smith will show and explain what a suiseki is and how they can be incorporated into a bonsai display.

1 pm–   Refining Established Bonsai

by Peter Warren, England

Bonsai artist and author, Peter Warren, travels the world sharing his bonsai knowledge and skills. The large collected Eastern white cedar bonsai for his

demonstration was originally designed by Marc Noelanders from Belgium at the 1997 BCI Convention in Toronto, Canada. Unable to take the bonsai back to Belgium, Reiner Goebel purchased the tree and trained ituntil the tree was auctioned at the 2000 ABS Convention. Since then it has been at the International Bonsai Arboretum. Mr. Warren will trim and wire the bonsai with the assistance of award winning bonsai artist and Eastern white cedar specialist Marc Arpag. The newly refined large size Eastern white cedar bonsai will be auctioned at the conclusion of the demonstration on Sunday afternoon at 4 pm.           

Questions? wnv@internationalbonsai.com

(585) 334-2595

http://www.internationalbonsai.com

A few photos from the 2014 Nashville Regional Bonsai Expo held today, July 12 and tomorrow July 13, 2014 at the Cheekwood Botanic Gardens in Nashville, TN. Great trees, a wide selection of vendors with trees and containers, dynamic demos and workshops and last but not least warm southern hospitality.

Join us tomorrow to see some beautiful bonsai!

Second generation bonsai artist, Hiro Yamaji proprietor of Sansho-En Bonsai Garden in Kokubunji, Japan will be conducting a special one-day hands-on workshop. Mr. Yamaji is a graduate of Osaka University and fluent in English and has presented programs throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. He is one of the international judges at the 4th U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition.

Mr. Yamaji, pine bonsai specialist, with decades of experience about pruning, pinching new growth, wiring as well as with a wide variety of species. Watch and learn as Mr. Yamaji performs his magic on your bonsai as well as having all your questions answered in perfect English, without wasted translation time.

Registration for the Yamaji Bonsai Workshop is $125, Observers $50. Observers may ask limited questions. Bring your own plant material or purchase something exciting from over 40 vendors at the U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition sales area. The Yamaji Bonsai Workshop will be held at the International Bonsai
Arboretum, 1070 Martin Road, West Henrietta, New York. Refreshments and a pizza lunch is included. Don’t delay in registering for this special and limited seminar.

Monday, September 15, 2014

To register contact:
William N. Valavanis
WNV@internationalbonsai.com
(585) 334-2595

We are again fortunate to have the support of the following botanical gardens, arboreta, collections and organizations which will be displaying at the US National Bonsai Exhibition. Outstanding bonsai from these distinguished collections will be on display for the visitors of the US National Bonsai Exhibition.

US National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, Washington, DC
Montreal Botanic Garden, Montreal, Canada
Chicago Botanic Garden, Chicago, IL
Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn, NY
North Carolina Arboretum, Asheville, NC
Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain, MA
Bonsai Society of the Royal Botanical Gardens, Burlington, Canada
Karamatsu Bonsai Study Group, Montreal, Canada

Of significant importance is a Dwarf hinoki cypress bonsai from the Larz Anderson Bonsai Collection at the Arnold Arboretum which was started in 1802. It was imported from Japan in 1913 and is one of the first bonsai imported into the United States. Although not the oldest Japanese bonsai in the United States, it has been under cultivation longer than any other plant currently growing in North America.

Additional information on the US National Bonsai Exhibition, September 13-14, 2014 in Rochester, New York, can be located at:

http://www.internationalbonsai.com/store/1708315/National_Exhibition/index.html

The following vendors will be selling their finest bonsai, pre-bonsai, tools, containers, display tables, scrolls and other items at the US National Bonsai Exhibition on September 13-14, 2014 in Rochester, New York. Over 100 tables will be filled with goodies from across the country for your bonsai creation, care and enjoyment.

Adams’ Bonsai               Julian Adams                          Virginia

American Bonsai             Cullen Mairacher               Florida

Tony Alario                                                                       Connecticut

Bjorvala Bonsai Studio       Bjorn Bjorholm           Tennessee

Bonsai Berkshire                Geoff Holmes                  Connecticut

Bonsai By Fields                 Mark Fields                      Indiana

Bonsai Unearthed               Owen Reich                  Tennessee

Bonsai Vision                      Jim Gollmer                     Nevada

Bonsai West                       Michael Levin                   Massachusetts

Brussel’s Bonsai                 Brussel Martin               Mississippi

Cedar Bog Bonsai              Mitch Boatman             Tennessee

Alice Chen                                                                       New York

Custom Oriental Woodcraft     Sean Smith       Pennsylvania

Deer Meadow Bonsai              Jim Gremel              California

Eagleville Bonsai                      Jack Hoover              Rhode Island

Giorgi Studio                           Dave & Rob Giorgi    Ohio

Golden Arrow Bonsai               Andy Smith            South Dakota

Kaede Bonsai                           Matt Ouwinga           Maryland

Knittle Studio                           David Knittle            Vermont

Lang Bonsai Containers           Ron Lang                Pennsylvania

Mc2 Pottery                           Charles Smith               Tennessee

Meco Bonsai                          Roger Lehman               Pennsylvania

Miniature-Bonsai                     Dave Paris                  New York

Mulberry Creek Herbs              Mark Langan            Ohio

Stacy Muse                                                                         Florida

Natures Way                           Jim Doyle                        Pennsylvania

Nitju Clayworks                        Ross Adams                Pennsylvania

Osiga                                       Yen Huang                        Maryland

PFM Bonsai                           Pauline Muth                   New York

Gratia Pfromm                                                                 New York

Quiet Spirit Arts                        John Bierley              Maryland

Reflections In Water                Karen Proctor           New York

Royal Bonsai Garden         Suthin Sukolosovisit    Massachusetts

Sanctuary Bonsai                    Todd Hansen              Connecticut

Sara Rayners Pottery               Sara Rayner               Minnesota

Satsuki Bonsai                         David Kreutz               Missouri

Stands & Stones                      Mark Rhyme                Florida

Tandamiti Bonsai                     Hank Miller                New York

Michele Villeneuve                                                         Quebec, Canada

Vons Gardens                         John Kirby                      Connecticut

Wildwood Gardens                   Frank Mihalic           Ohio

Roy Wixson                                                                       New York

International Bonsai           Wm. N. Valavanis        New York

Have you ever wanted to explore the bonsai and Japanese garden world of Japan in a small limited group? Well, here is your opportunity. In November Kora Dalager, travel agent and bonsai instructor from California and I will be leading another one of our popular bonsai tours to Japan. Bonsai gardens and studios of some of the finest bonsai artists in Japan will be privately visited.

The 37^th Midwest Bonsai Exhibit is being held at the Chicago Botanic Garden on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, August 15-17, 2014. Many beautiful bonsai are on display from local members and other bonsai hobbyists from several states. About 15 vendors are selling their trees, containers and other items as well. Enjoy the photos!

Rough Bark Japanese Maple by Matt Berenberg received the Best of Show Award

RAF Dwarf Scots Pine by Wm. N. Valavanis received the 1st Place Award in the Professional Division

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The Chicago Botanic Garden has a world class bonsai collection. Several years ago bonsai artist Susumu Nakamua from Yokohama, Japan, presented his finest trees to the Chicago Botanic Garden to supplement their collection.

Enjoy the bonsai which were on public display in the two courtyards during the 2014 Midwest Bonsai Show.

Three of these beautiful masterpiece will be displayed by the Chicago Botanic Garden in the upcoming 4th US National Bonsai Exhibition which will be held in Rochester, NY, on September 13-14,2014. Come visit the exhibition and see which bonsai the Chicago Botanic Garden will display.

Join us at the exciting US National Bonsai Exhibition on September 13-14, 2014 in Rochester, New York. The Award Banquet & Benefit Auction are one of the highlights of the weekend where $6,500 will be presented to the finest bonsai selected by our three international judges: Hiro Yamaji from Japan, Peter Warren from England and David Easterbrook from Canada.

Bonsai fellowship abounds with visitors, exhibitors and vendors all enjoying a delicious meal awaiting the award presentations.

The following awards will be presented:

The National Award

Finest Bonsai Masterpiece

$1,000

Evergreen Bonsai Award

Finest Evergreen Bonsai

$500

Deciduous Bonsai Award

Finest Deciduous Bonsai

$500 Lang Bonsai Container Certificate

Yoshimura Award

Finest Classical Bonsai

$500

Bonsai Travel Award

Finest Bonsai & Companion Plant Combination

$500

Nippon Bonsai Association Award

Finest Japanese Style Display

Ho Yoku Award

Finest Innovative Bonsai Design

$500

Custom Oriental Woodcraft Award

Finest Shohin Bonsai Display

$1,000 Shohin Bonsai Display Stand Set

All American Bonsai Award

Finest American Species Bonsai in an American Container on an American Display Table

$1,000

ABS North American Bonsai Award

Finest North American Native Species Bonsai

$500

Puerto Rico Bonsai Federation Award

Finest Tropical Bonsai

$500

After the award presentation a stimulating Benefit Auction will take place where bonsai, containers, suiseki and other bonsai related items will be auctioned, including many large bonsai from the Valavanis Bonsai Collection.

Join us for the Award Banquet & Benefit Auction at the Holiday Inn Airport. Remaining seating is quite limited, but a few seats remain. The hotel cannot accommodate over 300 people. Weekend passes (until September 1st and Award Banquet & Benefit Auction tickets may be easily ordered from our website at:

http://www.internationalbonsai.com/page/486741658

Also, be sure to arrive early on Saturday morning at 8:30 am for the Opening Ceremony!

My family, Monday Senior Crew and friends are all busy preparing everything for the US National Bonsai Exhibition. Actually we have slowly been preparing for several months here in Rochester for the bonsai, suiseki, display backgrounds, posts and more. But now we are in full mode, which means I had six McDonalds Sweet Tea today.

Today we purchased a new water hose so exhibitors can easily water their bonsai before bringing into the building for their “final acceptance.” There is a grassy area where it will be easy to water and do the final detailing. Some green moss will also be available for touch ups if necessary.

Blood, sweat, tears and even a hospital visit have been experienced to get everything perfect for displaying both the bonsai and suiseki in the exhibition. A new design for backgrounds have been designed, constructed and painted with special paint by Doug McDade, Tom Friday and Bob Pfromm. Professional sign painter Alan Adair is working on a 20 foot welcoming banner as well.

Photographer Joe Noga in North Carolina is testing his new 40 megapixel camera and lighting so he can capture the beauty of each displayed bonsai for the forthcoming Commemorative Album. He has so much photo equipment and two bonsai for display that he must rent a trailer to transport everything to Rochester.

Marc Arpag with Bob Blankfield are designing and constructing items for the welcoming garden. Plants must now be selected from one of our sponsor’s nurseries which specializes in Japanese maples and conifers.

Ron and Jo Anne Maggio, our publicity committee have arranged appearances on all three Rochester TV channels. Additionally, the “Weekend Guy” will be shooting at the exhibition on Friday for his show which will be broadcast all through Saturday and Sunday on TV.

I’m also busy mossing and doing final detailing on the bonsai for my clients and my trees as well. When finished they are placed next to the studio where I check them several times daily, from different angles to make certain they are at their peak of beauty for display.

Ron Maggio’s Dwarf hinoki cypress bonsai won our Member’s Choice Award at the May Upstate New York Bonsai Exhibition. Joe Noga photographed all the bonsai in the exhibition. After studying the tree’s photo I can see some trimming is necessary so tomorrow out come my special scissors which are extremely sharp. Then more mossing is necessary.

Display tables, accessories and scrolls are also being assembled now. They will be carefully cleaned a few days before the exhibition.

The Invitational Suiseki Exhibition is complete and those displays must also be designed and matched with accessories and a few scrolls. We are quite pleased that three of the top suiseki (and display as well) authorities from California will also be joining us displaying their stones. Hideko Metaxas and Larry and Nina Ragel will bring their suiseki to share with visitors to the US National Bonsai Exhibition.

Auction items

Selecting the bonsai and other items for the Benefit Auction has begun. Many of my larger bonsai have been selected, including Yuji Yoshimura’s last demonstration bonsai. Containers, books and other art will also be included. Plus, vendors and exhibitors will also be bringing many items for the auction, which will take place after the Award Ceremony where $6,500 cash will be distributed to the winning exhibitors.

Auction items

Diane is quite busy registering everyone for weekend passes, daily passes and the Award Banquet and Benefit Auction. She often contacts people asking for their partner’s names so the entry badges will have the correct names.

Approximately 40 valued volunteers have signed up for welcoming visitors, photo assistants, security, admission, set up and take down as well. The US National Bonsai Exhibition would not exist without these special friends who go all out to promote bonsai art. Additionally our sponsors, donors and vendors have provided some of the funds to pay for the exhibition.

Today my son Chris, his buddy Ben and Diane moved 10 yards of mulch into my display garden so visitors to our Autumn Open House & Sale can easily walk on a soft surface. Weeding is a never ending task and Rick Marriott and Paul Eschmann are doing a great job trying to remove all the unwanted vegetation.

Of course, there are a few additional tasks: preparing and printing bonsai and suiseki labels, certificates, exhibition guide, name tags, signs, maps, flyers, repainting posts, ironing curtains, tablecloths, skirting and purple bunting (complete with golden tassels). With the help of my good friends, Senior Monday Crew and family everything will be ready and perfect for visitors to the 4^th US National Bonsai Exhibition. The bonsai still need watering, but we are keeping up on that as well.

Glenn Morton Security Chairman

I look forward to welcoming everyone to a unique exhibition of some of the finest bonsai in the United States.

Today is Labor Day, and boy did we labor so bonsai from around our country can be beautifully and tastefully displayed!

My entire “Monday Senior Crew” came, (except for Paul Eschmann who went sailing– but he will come on Saturday) today to help prepare for the upcoming US National Bonsai Exhibition on September 13-14^th in Rochester, NY.

Today, Doug McDade, Rick Marriott, Bob Pfromm, Tom Friday and Joe Lentner left their families on this “holiday” to help me prepare for the exhibition. Rick started at 8:30 this morning and left at 4:00 in the afternoon. We got a tremendous amount of important work accomplished with only one doughnut break and takeout Chinese lunch. Diane surprised us with a raspberry birthday cake for Doug, Bob and me who all celebrate birthdays within two weeks of each other. Actually, Bob and I were both born on Labor Days, but several years apart.

The background posts are made of 4×4” pressure treated posts which are 4 and 5 feet tall. They are all kept in the soil poly greenhouse along with the all the other supports and piping for the exhibition. Many of the long items are kept in the rafters and needed to be brought down for cleaning and loading into the trailer. Joe and Tom moved most of the posts and piping because they would not let me up on the ladder… another broken foot is NOT needed, especially at this time. Last week Rick, Bob and Diane began staining a few post which had faded, but they looked so good it was decided to stain all of them.

The 90 heavy background posts were stained to get a dark quite color, as many have faded during the past eight years. But, first they needed to be cleaned and wiped down. As the Rick, Bob, Diane and Doug were staining Doug made minor adjustments to some of the posts so they would sit flat on the tables without wiggling. Diane helped all day and worked with Rick staining and Doug worked with Bob.

As they were staining Joe and I were loading the trailer with items, which did not need staining, and then loaded the finished stained posts. It was so hot and humid the crew moved from staining in the display shade house into the cooler garage, out of the sun. That meant that all the posts needed to be carried from out back into the garage, then back to be carefully loaded into the trailer.

Just as they were finishing Joe and I brought 80 upright thinner posts, which are used as supports for the purple bunting and golden tassels, to be stained. They did not complain and continued to stain. As they were finished I carried them on to the sunny driveway for drying.

A few weeks ago Gratia Pfromm split 90 feet of fabric, which yielded 180 feet, for skirting which is needed for the Invitational Suiseki Exhibition, a new addition to the US National Bonsai Exhibition. She even hemmed the fabric so it would not unravel.

There is still room for the 20 some large plastic tote boxes full of curtains, skirting and table coverings. Oh I almost forgot the purple velvet valances and of course the golden tassels and red carpet for the Opening Ceremony.

On Wednesday, September 10^th we get into the building to begin setting up. Nearly 300 tables must be exactly set up according to the layout. Then the tables get skirted and the table covering goes on. Once the tables are skirted and covered the background posts are positioned on top of the tables. After the background curtains are installed the supports for the purple velvet bunting must be constructed. Finally the bonsai will be positioned and repositioned again before the exhibition opens. But, there is still a lot of registration and printing for Diane and me to complete before next week.

But, we will be ready to welcome visitors from Asia, Europe, South America and North America so they can see, appreciate and study some of the finest bonsai in the United States and Canada as well.

Join us on September 13-14^th in Rochester. Additional information can be seen at:

http://www.internationalbonsai.com/store/1708315/National_Exhibition/index.html

The successful 2014 4^th U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition has come, gone and is now a pleasant memory. Bonsai from around our great country were displayed next to each other showing viewers the diversity of forms and plant material trained for bonsai as well as the high level of refinement we have developed during the past seventy odd years the art has been practiced in the United States.

The “Crew” beginning the set up on Wednesday

The resounding success of the U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition is due to the long hours of hard work of my “crew”, a dedicated group of bonsai hobbyists who want to see the art of bonsai flourish in the United States. In addition to set up and take down, many days were spent preparing, sewing, ironing and fabric cutting. New folding backgrounds were designed, constructed and painted (twice) for the Invitational Suiseki Exhibition and over 100 wooden posts were re stained. A beautiful welcome garden greeted visitors and featured the logo bonsai of Chinese quince, full of large fruit.

Our new venue, the Total Sports Experience, also served as a spectacular, spacious and clean environment to showcase some of the finest bonsai in our country. The new55,000 square foot building consisted of two full size soccer fields, a community room for hospitality and a wide concourse between the two fields. The padded green artificial grass was a welcome treat to our feet for those of us who stood for five days setting up, answering questions and taking down the Exhibition. The green coloring had a calming and quiet feeling. The tall ceiling and wide open area with tables and chairs offered a friendly location to meet with fellow bonsai hobbyists to discuss the bonsai on display. The wide aisles allowed visitors to easily see and study the bonsai. The wide and open areas wewre appreciated by everyone.

Hiroyoshi Yamaji being interviewed for TV broadcast all day on Saturday and Sunday

The publicity committee of Ron and JoAnn Maggio worked their magic to get appearances on all four Rochester TV channels. The “Get Away Guy” on Channel 9 filmed a short segment while we set up the exhibition and was broadcast all day on Saturday and Sunday. At the Opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, Ron Maggio read proclamations from New York State Governor Cuomo, Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks and Mayor Lovely of Rochester proclaiming National Bonsai Exhibition Day in New York State. This outstanding publicity, plus print coverage brought in the public as well as bonsai hobbyists. The 400 car parking lot was completely filled on Saturday and by Sunday nearly 1,000 people enjoyed the Exhibition. Our vendors were very happy.

Valued volunteers and crew moments before the ribbon cutting ceremony

Ribbon cutting opening ceremony

Visitors waiting to enter the exhibition

Equally important to the success of the event was created by the 107 exhibitors from 27 states: California to Virginia and from Florida to Vermont. Plus, we had three special exhibitor groups from two provinces of Canada. The leading botanical gardens and arboreta with significant bonsai collections in the United States also brought trees for special exhibits. One of the earliest bonsai to enter the Untied States in 1935 was on display, which was started from a cutting taken in 1802.

One of the historic Dwarf hinoki cypress bonsai being moved to a taller display table for better appreciation

The cascade bonsai on the left was originally a branch on the larger Dwarf hinoki cypress on the right. This special exhibit came from the Larz Anderson Bonsai Collection at the Arnold Arboretum in Boston, MA

Robert Neems

Douglas Taylor

Marty Schmalenberg

Exhibitors spent decades training their best bonsai for the exhibition and a lot of time refining and preparing for their formal display. This was quite evident in the 175 display areas. In total there were 320 individual bonsai, including 40 shohin bonsai compositions with 120 small size bonsai. Over 125 species and plant cultivars were displayed which is representative of the trees trained for bonsai in our country.

Photos of over 260 bonsai were submitted for the selection process and 180 were accepted. A few dropped out at the last minute because of weather damage or transportation difficulties. Since bonsai are alive and subject to weather this is to be expected. We still needed to add nine more tables at the end of set up. It’s a good thing we have extra backgrounds, skirting as well as table covering. But, we still needed to purchase additional table coverings of a different color during the set up.

Equally important and of the same size as the Exhibition, the vendor area had more than 100 tables full of everything you could ever want to create and appreciate bonsai. There were seedlings to developed masterpiece bonsai, tools, wire, soil, containers, display tables, suiseki, scrolls, books, magazines, jewelry, clothing, other art and more. There was something for everyone. Vendors came from California, Florida, Vermont, Minnesota, Tennessee, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Missouri, Ohio, Indiana, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Virginia, New York as well as Canada came to offer their finest for sale.

Hiroyoshi Yamaji demonstrates bonsai creation from nursery stock

Peter Warren demonstrated how to refine an established bonsai

Dr. Alice Chen demonstrated Chinese brush painting

Sean Smith lectured on suiseki

The lecture/demonstration on creating a bonsai, bonsai refinement, ikebana, Chinese brush painting and suiseki were well received and there was standing room only. After setting up the demonstration area on Thursday I called and ordered another 100 chairs for visitors. Harvey Carapella did not thing they would be filled, however there was standing room only for Hiroyoshi Yamaji’s dynamic demonstration on bonsai creation.

Larry Ragel brought one of his suiseki from California

Nina Ragel displayed her suiseki

For the first time we had an Invitational Suiseki Exhibition were the stones were formally displayed with accessories and bonsai as well. Stones from the United States, Africa, China, Greece, Puerto Rico and Australia were displayed. Fifty suiseki were displayed by 29 exhibitors. The public, as well as the bonsai visitors found the addition of suiseki of interest and will be included in 2016.

I was especially honored that Japanese dignitaries traveled to the Untied States to see our U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition. Jiro Fukuda, Chairman of the Nippon Bonsai Association and Chairman of the World Bonsai Friendship Federation together with Mrs. Naemi Iwasaki, Vice-chairman of WBFF and Hatsuji Kato an advisor to WBFF came. They were accompanied with Yuji Tamura, editor of Bonsai Shunjyu magazine and their lovely translator Keiko Matsunaga. At the Award Banquet and Benefit Auction Mr. Fukuda presented the Nippon Bonsai Association Award to Brussel Martin for his beautiful Japanese Black pine as the “finest Japanese style bonsai display.” Mr. Fukuda also spoke about the importance of bonsai displays said the Japanese group came expecting to see beautiful bonsai but were surprised to see outstanding bonsai. He invited everyone to the 8^th World Bonsai Convention in Saitama City, Japan which will be held in 2017.

David Easterbrook from Canada judging a bonsai

Hiroyoshi Yamaji evaluating a Pitch pine bonsai

Peter Warren from England inspecting the ramification of a Mugho pine bonsai

Judges in the Judges Chamber deciding the winning bonsai

The three international judges, Hiroyoshi Yamaji from Japan, Peter Warren from England and David Easterbrook from Canada spent a couple of hours selecting the award winning bonsai. Many of the decisions were difficult because of the high quality, but Suthin Sukolosovist’s American elm was clearly the winner for the National Award for the “finest bonsai.”

2014 US NATIONAL BONSAI EXHIBITION AWARDS

Medium Size Bonsai Award

Finest Medium Size Bonsai

Sargent Juniper

Troy Schmidt

Nippon Bonsai Association Award

Finest Japanese Style Display

Japanese Black Pine

Brussel Martin

Puerto Rico Bonsai Federation Award

Finest Tropical Bonsai

Willow Leaf Fig

Aaron Bucher

Custom Oriental Woodcraft Award– Bonsai Display Tables

Finest Shohin Bonsai Display

Mixed Species

Gary Andes

Ho Yoku Award

Finest Innovative Bonsai Design

Sargent Juniper

Colin Lewis

Bonsai Travel Award

Finest Bonsai & Companion Combination

Mixed Species

Marc Arpag

Yoshimura Award

Finest Classical Bonsai

Japanese Black Pine

Louise Leister

ABS North American Award

Finest North American Native Species Bonsai

Rocky Mountain Juniper

Brian Hollowell

All American Award

Finest American Species in an American Container shown on an American Display Table

Buttonwood

Paul Pikel

Deciduous Bonsai Award

Finest Deciduous Bonsai

Sharps Pygmy Japanese Maple

Sergio Cuan

Evergreen Bonsai Award

Finest Evergreen Bonsai

Wild Olive

Frank Cucchiara

The National Award

Finest Bonsai Masterpiece

American Elm

Suthin Sukolosovisit

David Easterbrook giving a tour in French to Canadian visitors

At the Award Banquet and Benefit Auction two special awards were presented. A Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Hideko Metaxas from Larkspur, California, for her leadership, promotion, education & artistry of bonsai, suiseki and ikebana. Kathy Shaner from San Jose, California was presented a Certificate of Recognition for her enthusiastic teaching, promotion & sharing of bonsai artistry- skill-knowledge. Finally the valued volunteers were recognized before the exhibition awards were presented to the winners. At the conclusion of the evening the Benefit Auction was held with Gordon Deeg as the master auctioneer. Vendors and friends donated many items for the auction to help cover the exhibition costs.

The U.S. National Bonsai Exhibitions are good for the economy of the bonsai business in the United States. Businesses offering display tables, hand made containers, wire for refinement as well as professional bonsai artists preparing tree for display all made money before the actual exhibition. Our generous sponsors and vendors provided the funds to subside transporting the trees from long distances as well as preparing an excellent venue with display backgrounds.

The photos include here were taken by me. Joe Noga and his helpers worked for three and a half days photographing every bonsai in the Exhibition. These professional, sharp and color perfect photographs will be used for the Commemorative Album which can now be pre ordered at an attractive discount until December. Every bonsai in the Exhibition will appear in the Commemorative Album as well as general views.

Pre order your copy of the Commemorative Album at:

http://www.internationalbonsai.com/page/1442819

I’d like to thank my valued volunteers, crew, exhibitors, sponsors, vendors, visitors and especially my family, Diane, Nicholas and Chris for making the 4^th U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition a success!

The 5^th U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition will be held on September 17-18, 2016. Start preparing your bonsai now. I look forward to welcoming everyone.

Our exciting Autumn 2014 Japan Bonsai Exploration Tour begins on November 17^th in Tokyo led by Kora Dalager and me. We will first be visiting the finest bonsai gardens in Tokyo, Omiya Bonsai Village and in Saitama Prefecture. Mr. Kimura’s garden and Mr. Kobayashi’s bonsai museum are just a few of the many highlights of our tour, plus some surprises. After taking the bullet train past Mt. Fuji we will arrive in the ancient capital of Kyoto, known for its outstanding gardens, temple and shrines.

Autumn is a brilliant season in Japan, especially in Kyoto where people come from around the world to appreciate the colorful maple foliage framed by ancient temples and mature trees. The “Maple Viewing Season” is one of the busiest times of the year in Kyoto. After a guided tour of the most colorful and interesting gardens our tour participants have some free time to explore sights which are of personal interest.

During this weekend the Taikan Bonsai Exhibition is held near the Heian Shrine. It is the second most prestigious bonsai exhibition in Japan and has trees from around the country. In addition to bonsai, unlike other shows, suiseki and scrolls are featured so one can also study the current taste of the Japanese bonsai community. Award winning bonsai from the Kokufu Bonsai Exhibition and the Sakufu Bnsai Exhibition are also included in this premier show.

Of course, most people visit the huge sales area where all items relating to bonsai can be found on display as well. Bonsai growers, container artists, suiseki collectors, scroll painters as well as high end bonsai dealers all have their wares for sale.

After a couple of days visiting the exhibition and gardens we will take the bullet train to Nagoya where we will visit the best bonsai gardens specializing in pine bonsai. An unusual temple will also be visited during the day where the head priest has a magnificient private bonsai collection, maintained by professional bonsai artists. Located in a bamboo grove the temple is known for its delicious and unique bamboo cuisine, where we will dine. An opportunity to travel to nearby Tokoname to purchase containers is also available.

Unfortunately a couple of our repeat tour participants from Australia had to cancel because of medical reasons so a few openings are now available. If you ever wanted to visit Japan in a small group to see the best bonsai, gardens and exhibitions here is your opportunity. The US dollar and Japanese yen exchange rate has been increasing and your funds will go farther now than in the past few years.

Our tour begins on November 17^th and concludes on November 25^th, just in time to return home for celebrating Thanksgiving with your family and friends. Join our limited tour led by Kora Dalager and me, lifetime memories will be experienced.

Contact Kora Dalager (510) 610-9064, or at kora@ca.astound.net for additional information or details. I look forward to exploring the Japanese bonsai community with you.

On my way to teaching at Robert Steven’s International Bonsai Biennial Convention in Indonesia I had the opportunity to spend three days in Japan studying bonsai. Normally when we visit Japan with our tours we do not see deciduous bonsai in leaf, so this was a special treat for me.

A few days prior to my departure we were watching the progress of the deadly Super Typhoon Vongfong which was heading directly for Japan and traveling north through Tokyo. Although I’ve never experienced (nor do I want) a typhoon or hurricane it looked like it was my special time. The reports were not good and I was advised to skip Japan and fly directly to Indonesia. That would never happen. My scheduled flight from Chicago to Tokyo was delayed several hours, even before I left home so I changed my ticket to fly from Washington, DC to Tokyo rather than enjoy the flight delay in Chicago. It looked like I was “just” able to land in Tokyo before the typhoon was to hit Tokyo.

Our smooth flight from Washington, DC to Tokyo was a few minutes early and we landed in a slight drizzle. The hotel had signs indicating the location of the typhoon and instructions if we got hit in the storm. Fortunately the typhoon changed its course away from Tokyo.

The next morning greeted me with sunny, warm weather and clear skies- no clouds in sight. There was only a gentle breeze which felt good in the sun. I took a train from my hotel in Narita to the Ueno Green Club where the weekly auction for professional bonsai artists was taking place. The bonsai sold quickly, many for high prices.

The bonsai were outside the building and were brought inside, one at a lime on a conveyer belt. Each tree was placed on a piece of plywood so it could easily be turned around for the bidders inspection. Small size and cascade style bonsai were placed on a short stools to be easily seen. There were many auctioneers, among the best were Isao Omachi and other younger bonsai artists. They carefully examined each tree and made many comments. In the front row were Mr. Kobayashi and Mr. Morimae. Mr. Kimura was in the back looking around and Mr. Suzuki was working in the front as well as Mr. Tanaka. Most of the well known bonsai artists in Japan were present buying, selling and often buying back items which did not sell for their anticipated prices. In addition to the bonsai were display tables and containers.

It was interesting to see the bonsai outside before they were auctioned and afterwards when they were sold. There were some excellent bonsai sold and I’m certain many will soon become famous.

An old bonsai from before World War II, Japanese five-needle pine

After a quick lunch with Mr. Morimae and Mr. Kobayashi I took another train to the Omiya Bonsai Village. By the time I arrived the wind had picked up and I noticed several smaller bonsai which had toppled over. The buildings at Mr. Takeyama’s Fuyo-en Bonsai Garden and Mr. Kato’s Mansei-en Bonsai Garden were full of bonsai being protected from high winds.

I found it quite interesting to see which bonsai they protected, perhaps famous masterpieces or those belonging to clients. Whenever I visit Mr. Takeyama’s garden I enjoy seeing the famous Sargent juniper named “Dragon flying into the clouds”. However I did not immediately find it, until later on I noticed it inside being protected. Most of the bonsai gardens moved their smaller trees close together for some protection of the wind which was increasing throughout the afternoon.

Fuyo-en Bonsai Garden

Seiko-en Bonsai Garden

New alcove at Mr. Yamada’s Seiko-en Bonsai Garden

Pillar post of Japanese maple

Omiya Bonsai Art Museum outdoor garden was closed

Bonsai protected on the ground next to building

One of my main purposes for this visit was to see the special exhibit of bonsai from Mr. Murata’s Kyuka-en Bonsai Garden at the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum, near by. Upon arrival they had a sign indicating the outdoor garden was closed because most of the bonsai were taken off their display tables and protected next to the building. Fortunately, Mr. Murata’s bonsai were in the inside gallery. No photos were allowed inside, but the exhibit featured an elegant cascade style Asparagus fern, Jade plant and an entire display of Acorus, or Japanese sweet flag. They also displayed a stately Hinoki cypress bonsai in the foyer which available for photographing.

Akio Kondo and his Needle Juniper received the Prime Minister Award

The Japan Sakufu Bonsai Exhibition (Japan Creator’s Bonsai Exhibition) is the only exhibition for professional bonsai artists in Japan. This is a very competitive exhibition and winning artists usually get more publicity and clients upon winning the coveted awards, plus the value of the bonsai is increased.

Judges before ceremony

The 2014 40^th Sakufu Bonsai Exhibition judging was held a few hours ago on October 15, 2014 at the Ueno Green Club. In the morning the bonsai finalists were selected and were moved to the third floor where the final selections would be made. Mr. Fukuda, chairman of the Nippon Bonsai Association and chairman of the World Bonsai Friendship Federation and Mr. Hamano, one of the judges invited me to this special event. I’ve been fortunate to watch the judging of many Taikan Bonsai Exhibitions and Kokufu Bonsai Exhibitions but this was the first time for the Sakufu Bonsai Exhibition.

Evergreen bonsai finalists

There were nine judges, and after the winners were announced the tenth arrived late who was a prominent artist, not from the bonsai community. The finalist bonsai were grouped into evergreen, deciduous, medium size, creative (rock and group plantings), literati, satsuki and shohin bonsai. There were two or three bonsai in each category. They were all displayed along three walls of the room so everyone could easily see the bonsai.

Deciduous bonsai finalists

Medium size bonsai finalists

Creative bonsai finalists (rock & group plantings)

Literati bonsai finalists

Satsuki bonsai finalists

Shohin bonsai finalists

Like other judging, each of the nine judges were given a ballot for voting. The votes were immediately announced and tabulated in front of the small audience. Winners were announced for each category.

Akio Kondo when his tree won

Winning bonsai artists

After the bonsai were judged all the winning artists were presented and Akio Kondo, winner of the highest Prime Minister Award made a few comments. At the conclusion everyone left except for the award winners and judges who gathered around a long table. Each judge made comments and then each winner made more comments.

Mr. Fukuda made comments first

Akio Kondo commented day.

Mr. Fukuda mentioned that Akio Kondo’s award winning Needle juniper was rare because it was the only bonsai to have won the Prime Minister Award five times. NEW, after research it was learned that this bonsai won the Prime Minister Award 6 times! This beautiful bonsai was originally created by the Suzuki family of Daiju-en Bonsai Garden near Nagoya. The first generation artist, Saichi Suzuki won with this bonsai as did his son, Toshinori and his grandson Toru. Quite a famous bonsai!

Mr. Kato wanted to encourage more young artists to participate in this exhibition. Mr. Kondo mentioned that he was very honored about his award. This was the 20^th time he entered the Sakufu Bonsai Exhibition, but the first time to win the Prime Minister Award. NEW: He continued that he was familiar with this Needle juniper bonsai for a long time and wanted to care for it someday. Three years ago his dream came true and he was finally the caretaker. He was very honored to have the opportunity to submit this bonsai again so others could enjoy its beauty.

Mr. Omachi best literati bonsai

Mr. Akiyama best satsuki bonsai

Mr. Iura best medium bonsai

Mr. Asako best evergreen bonsai

Persimmon

On the second and third floor the bonsai which did not make it into finals were displayed and also photographed for the commemorative album. Each of these bonsai were beautiful as well. There were approximately 50 bonsai entered into the competition including a unique shohin bonsai composition which I did not quite understand, but enjoyed to see the creativity of the artist.

Small leaf Zelkova with tiny leaves!

The 40^th Sakufu Bonsai Exhibition will be held on December 4-7, 2014 at the Ueno Green Club in Tokyo, Japan. If you can’t attend the commemorative album will be available for sale.

If you can not travel to Japan and want to see some great bonsai, join me at the Winter Silhouette Bonsai Exhibition in Kannapolis, NC, on the same weekend, December 6-7, 2014. More about this unusual exhibition later, but for now look here:

http://stevenzeisel.wix.com/winterbonsai#!members/citr