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13th Winter Silhouette Bonsai Expo 2025

Promotional poster for the Winter Silhouette Bonsai Expo featuring a stylized tree silhouette, event details, and a description of the exhibition.
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Steve Zeisel, sponsor and organizer of the Winter Silhouette Bonsai Expo did it again! A huge crowd of visitors and bonsai enthusiasts enjoyed an elegant display of fine bonsai! Every bonsai was of much better quality than in the first 12 exhibitions featuring naked trees. He privately holds the event to promote bonsai and allows exhibitors to express their beautiful bonsai and creative displays, especially in their winter appearance. 

Interior view of the Winter Silhouette Bonsai Expo showcasing beautifully displayed bonsai trees on tables, surrounded by elegant marble flooring and decorative elements.

There are more bonsai this year, and all were better designed and exquisitely displayed and prepared. Each exhibitor was allocated a six or eight-foot table to fill. A critique on Sunday morning will discuss some basic display information, as well as bonsai design so exhibitors can improve their bonsai for next year’s Winter Silhouette Bonsai Expo.

Overview of the Winter Silhouette Bonsai Expo featuring various bonsai displays and attendees engaging with the exhibits.

The highly regarded and anticipated Winter Silhouette Bonsai Expo was again held at the North Carolina Research Center in Kannapolis, outside Charlotte, North Carolina, on December 6-7, 2025.

An aerial view of the Winter Silhouette Bonsai Expo, featuring a bonsai tree display on a table surrounded by visitors engaging in conversation.
A display of bonsai trees at the Winter Silhouette Bonsai Expo, featuring a tall green bonsai with a moss-covered base, a small purple flowering bonsai, and an artistic backdrop with a round orange moon against a blue sky.

In addition to the bonsai on display, in a magnificent five story rotunda which is covered in imported Italian marble, several suiseki and accessory plantings were shown. Steve has had an excellent track record of hosting this elegant display which also had three rooms of vendors combined with demonstrations.

Aerial view of the Winter Silhouette Bonsai Expo, featuring numerous bonsai displays on tables, with attendees engaging in conversation in a marble rotunda.

Several demonstrations and a wide variety of vendors completed the exhibition as well as critique on Sunday morning for exhibitors. On Saturday afternoon, there was a benefit auction to help defray the costs to produce this fine exhibition. It’s one of my most favorite events of the year which I look forward to.

A bustling crowd gathers at the Winter Silhouette Bonsai Expo, showcasing an elegant bonsai tree display in a marble-floored venue.
A meticulously styled bonsai tree with intricate, bare branches, prominently displayed on a moss-covered surface in a decorative pot, set against a black backdrop.

A beautifully arranged bonsai display featuring a tree with bright red fruits next to an artistic scroll depicting a crane, set against a backdrop of blue fabric.
A bonsai tree with bare branches adorned with bright red fruits, set against a dark blue background.
Display of bonsai trees on tables in a marble-finished venue during the Winter Silhouette Bonsai Expo.
Display of bonsai trees at the Winter Silhouette Bonsai Expo, featuring elegantly arranged plants against a black backdrop with a decorative scroll in the background.
A finely crafted bonsai tree displayed on a wooden table, surrounded by a black backdrop. The bonsai features intricate branches and is situated in a decorative container filled with moss.
A beautifully displayed bonsai tree on a wooden stand, accompanied by a mossy stone arrangement, set against a dark backdrop.

There were also several high quality shohin bonsai displays, all exquisitely displayed.

A beautifully arranged bonsai display featuring lush green moss and a prominent rock centerpiece on a wooden table.
A wooden display stand showcasing several bonsai trees of varying sizes, with a marble wall in the background.
A beautifully shaped bonsai tree with vibrant green foliage and a unique twisted trunk, displayed in a simple brown pot against a dark background.

A well-deserved thank you to Steve Zeisel and his team for organizing another successful Winter Silhouette Bonsai Expo. Attached are my quick photos so you can see the bonsai now, taken with my iPhone 17 Pro Max and my new Meta Ray Ban glasses. Joe Noga is professionally photographing the show and his high-quality images will be forthcoming, along with the Award Winners.

A beautifully crafted bonsai tree displayed on a wooden stand, surrounded by lush moss, with a decorative arrangement of berries in a basket beside it, set against a marble wall.
A beautifully crafted bonsai tree displayed in an elegant ceramic pot, featuring lush green foliage and a textured brown trunk, set against a marble background.

This year’s exhibition featured several deciduous species well developed forest plantings.

A display of a fine bonsai tree with multiple bare branches, set on a wooden table with moss-covered soil, against a black backdrop.
A close-up view of a group of bonsai trees with bare branches, set on a moss-covered base, showcasing their intricate root structures.
A beautifully arranged display of bonsai trees showcasing intricate branching and moss-covered bases, set against a black curtain backdrop.

Be sure to add the next Winter Silhouette Bonsai Expo in 2026. Details following.

A display of a bonsai arrangement featuring numerous bare branches set on a moss-covered stone base, placed on a wooden table.
A display of several bonsai trees with bare branches arranged on a moss-covered tray, set against a black backdrop.
A detailed display of a bonsai tree with intricate branches, positioned on a decorative wooden table with a green pot, next to a stone display, against a black backdrop.
A bonsai tree displayed on a wooden table with a decorative pot, next to a traditional hanging scroll depicting a waterfall. The background features a black curtain and the floor is covered with a red cloth.
A close-up image of a beautifully arranged bonsai plant in a ceramic pot, with green leaves and unique flowering stalks, set on a wooden display base.
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A Visit to Hoshu-in Bonsai Garden

A serene bonsai garden featuring various bonsai trees in different shapes and colors, surrounded by gravel pathways and traditional Japanese architecture in the background.
A serene bonsai garden displaying an array of meticulously cared for bonsai trees, featuring vibrant autumn colors and traditional Japanese architecture in the background.

The only Zen garden in a Buddhist Temple is located in the Daitoku-ji Temple complex in Kyoto, Japan. It is quite close to the world-famous Daisen-in garden. Now photos are allowed!

A vibrant bonsai tree with bright orange-red foliage displayed in the Hoshu-in Bonsai Garden at Daitoku-ji Temple in Kyoto, Japan.
A bonsai tree displayed on a wooden table against a plain background.
A bonsai tree with orange fruits displayed in a traditional blue pot on a wooden stand, set against a beige wall with a hanging scroll.
A bonsai plant with green leaves displayed on a textured stone base, set against a neutral background in a traditional Japanese environment.

A beautifully designed bonsai tree with white branches in a large blue pot, surrounded by moss, set against a serene backdrop within the Hoshu-in Bonsai Garden in Kyoto, Japan.

A beautifully shaped bonsai tree displayed in a garden, with a stone pedestal and a traditional Japanese building in the background.

The Hoshu-in Bonsai Garden which displays about 30 masterpiece bonsai selected and managed by Seiji Morimae and his S-Cube staff. They are frequently rotated and new masterpieces from private collections are highlighted. 

A bonsai tree with vibrant autumn-colored leaves, showcasing a rounded canopy and intricate roots, displayed in a white pot in a garden setting.
A beautiful bonsai tree with vibrant orange leaves, displayed in a blue pot on a wooden stand, set against a serene garden backdrop in Kyoto, Japan.

This is a MUST to visit when in Kyoto, you will not be disappointed.

A serene Buddhist altar featuring a seated bronze statue surrounded by flowers, candlesticks, and decorative pottery, set against a wooden backdrop.
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A Visit To Daiju-en Bonsai Garden– The Suzuki Family Pine Bonsai Dynasty­– Pioneers Of Black Pine Bonsai

A collage featuring four generations of the Suzuki bonsai family, with portraits of Toru Suzuki, his father Toshinori Suzuki, his grandfather Saichi Suzuki, and another family member, set against a decorative background.

A collection of bonsai trees, featuring a vibrant green pine bonsai on the left, an orange and green foliage bonsai in the center, and a small, twisted trunk bonsai on the right, all displayed in a landscaped garden setting.

Today we visited the Daiju-en Bonsai Garden of Toru Suzuki, third generation bonsai artist. 

Saichi Suzuki (1902 – 1991)

Toshinori Suzuki (1925 – 2007)

Toru Suzuki (1954 –

Takuya Suzuki (1984 –

A serene bonsai garden showcasing several meticulously pruned bonsai trees, including Japanese five-needle pines, arranged among large stones and gravel pathways under a clear sky.

The Suzuki family is one of the longest, most prominent and well-respected bonsai family in Japan.

Saichi Suzuki established his Daiju-En Bonsai Garden, in Okazaki, Japan in 1931. The Suzuki family has been studying and refining pine bonsai for nearly 100 years. Many of the common and current pine training and trimming techniques were discovered and refined at the Daiju-En Bonsai Garden.

A serene bonsai garden showcasing various bonsai trees, including pine species, displayed on wooden tables around a large, shallow stone pond.

Historically, Saichi Suzuki introduced the Dwarf Zuisho Japanese Five-needle pine in 1934. Together with his family, they actively promoted it as a new dwarf cultivar ideally suited for bonsai training and has thin, straight, short and light-green needles. It has a fast-growing character and elegant appeal. Masahiko Kimura actively grows and shapes Zuisho and often uses this cultivar when presenting demonstrations for the Zuisho Bonsai Society. Often, many of his Zuisho bonsai he has trained are displayed in Zuisho only exhibitions.

A beautifully shaped Dwarf Zuisho Japanese Five-needle pine bonsai displayed on a pedestal with a rocky backdrop, surrounded by various other bonsai trees in a tranquil garden setting.

A collection of bonsai trees, showcasing vibrant autumn colors, including yellow and red foliage, arranged on a wooden shelf in a serene garden setting.

Daiju-en Bonsai Garden is not large, but rather compact filled with beautifully displayed bonsai and filled with masterpiece Japanese five-needle pine, Japanese red pine and Japanese black pine bonsai in all sizes.

A vibrant bonsai garden featuring colorful red and green foliage, a decorative stone figure, and various potted plants arranged around a stone water feature.
A beautifully shaped bonsai tree displayed above a round stone pedestal, next to a round stone statue of a smiling figure reclining peacefully. The background consists of a white wall, and there are hints of greenery at the bottom of the image.

This is a unique bonsai garden with several huge stones framing the trees. The Suzuki family maintains several private bonsai collections as well. Scattered throughout the garden are numerous Princess persimmons and a few colorful maple bonsai shinning with their autumn dress.

A flat stone surface topped with bamboo tubes, surrounded by greenery and traditional Japanese garden elements.
A cascade of vibrant green ginkgo leaves trailing over a pot on a wooden shelf, with other bonsai trees and pots in the background.

A cascade Ginkgo? There is a weeping cultivar, butI don’t think this it. Started by cutting off a hanging aerial root and rooting it

Bonsai tree with vibrant orange persimmons displayed against a window, showcasing twisted branches and detailed bark in a light-colored pot.

Mr. Suzuki likes to share his family’s research on developing pine bonsai around the world. Recently in September he traveled to Rochester, New York to demonstrate his techniques and judge the 2025 9th U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition.

A bonsai artist carefully shaping a Japanese five-needle pine bonsai, showcasing its intricate branches and roots.
Logo of Suzuki featuring a stylized rhinoceros design in green with the text 'SUZUKI' in brown below it.
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The 2025 45th Japan Bonsai Taikan Exhibition– Part 3 Kunio Kobayashi Bonsai Demonstration

A bonsai demonstration featuring an artist in traditional attire explaining techniques to an audience, with a large bonsai tree being shaped by assistants.

For me the highlight of this exhibition was the bonsai demonstration by Kunio Kobayashi on Saturday morning from 10am to Noon, EXACTLY. The admission charge for this exhibition is less than US$10. This time, like last year several bonsai demonstrations were presented by the top level bonsai artists, which was an extra $20 admission charge, and well worth the cost. A free workshop for the first 30 people took place too. Famous bonsai artists, about ten of them were the instructors.

A large Japanese black pine bonsai tree with a thick trunk and dark bark, displayed in a container, inside a green-covered transport vehicle.

Last week during our visit to Kunio Kobayashi’s Shunka-en Bonsai Museum I watched as he prepared his demo tree, which “was” quite large with a hefty trunk and thick plated dark bark. The Japanese black pine was originally from Takamatsu, the pine bonsai capital of the world. Mr. Kobayashi mentioned that he only purchased the tree last week at one of Mr. Morimae’s frequent auctions held at his large bonsai complex. When Mr. Kobayashi bid on this tree all the Chinese buyers kept raising their bids because it must be a good tree if Mr. Kobayashi wanted it. Well, Mr. Kobayashi won the tree and went for over the value. But he said, after I shape the tree it will be worth a small fortune.

He was assisted four apprentices and graduate apprentices who came to assist their teacher. Former student Jin Yasufumi is the curator of Mr. Kobayashi’s museum and speaks excellent English, and knows bonsai too. Both of these talented artists kept a fast-moving program and all questions were answered in both Japanese and English. They both have a friendly personality and worked well together, including some humor too.

A bonsai demonstration taking place in a conference setting, with an audience of people seated on metal chairs observing as a bonsai artist works on a large tree.
A bonsai demonstration featuring a large Japanese black pine tree with a thick trunk and vibrant green foliage. A skilled bonsai artist is showcasing techniques to an attentive audience. Behind the artist, a chart highlights key concepts of bonsai cultivation.

I have seen quite a number of bonsai demonstrations around the world and seen the best artists create magic with their trees. I have to truthfully state that I did not leave the demo room for two hours. Even Mr. Kimura’s many times watched demos could not keep me in the room. Last year Shinji Suzuki also presented one of the finest programs I’ve seen, but did get up a few times.

A bonsai artist uses a chainsaw to shape a large bonsai tree while an assistant helps with the transplant process.
A bonsai artist demonstrating tree shaping techniques, focusing on a large bonsai tree with a thick trunk and green foliage.
A bonsai demonstration featuring an elderly artist explaining techniques while assisted by apprentices, with a large bonsai tree in the foreground.
An elderly bonsai artist using a chainsaw to trim a bonsai tree with long green needles.

People were captivated with the use of two different size chainsaws to eliminate unneeded branches and roots too. We use Sawzall reciprocating tools at home, especially to quickly reduce root balls, then refine the roots using common bonsai tools.

Close-up view of a bonsai tree trunk showcasing its thick, textured bark and intricate twists.
Close-up of a bonsai tree trunk showing detailed bark texture and a hollow section.
Close-up view of the trunk and branches of a bonsai tree, with an emphasis on the textured bark and thick branches, while a person is seen faintly in the background.
Close-up of the trunk of a bonsai tree showcasing thick, dark bark with intricate textures and some holes, surrounded by green foliage and gardening tools in the background.
A bonsai demonstration featuring several practitioners, including Kunio Kobayashi, as they prepare a large bonsai tree for planting.
A bonsai demonstration featuring an artist carefully shaping a large Japanese black pine tree with tools, surrounded by assistants.
A bonsai demonstration featuring Kunio Kobayashi and his apprentices as they work on a large Japanese black pine bonsai tree.
A bonsai demonstration featuring an instructor and apprentices working on a large bonsai tree with lush green needles and a thick, textured trunk.

Just as he was finishing shaping the bonsai he asked the audience what shape container would look good for is new bonsai and enhance its beauty. Well, Mr. Kobayashi had the perfect container hidden in back and was all prepared for planting. In only 30 minutes his army of assistants removed the four-man size bonsai, drastically prune the roots, transplant the tree, repositioned the tree s few times according to Mr. Kobayashi’s instructions and even covered the complete soil surface with fresh, prepared bright green moss. He did not feel this was too much stress for the tree since it has an abundance of fine feeder roots and he will protect it this coming winter.

Bonsai demonstration featuring Kunio Kobayashi with assistants and audience members capturing the event on their phones.
A detailed view of a bonsai tree with a twisting trunk, vibrant green needles, and a decorative pot filled with moss.

That was one of the best two-hour learning sessions I’ve experienced and enjoyed. After visiting the men’s room at the conclusion, and I did wash my hands before congratulating Mr. Kobayashi for his stellar presentation.

A stylized bonsai tree with a thick trunk and lush green foliage placed in a decorative pot, showcasing an artistic design against a gradient background.
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The 2025 45th Japan Bonsai Taikan Exhibition– Part 2

An elderly man admiring bonsai trees displayed in an exhibition hall, with dark backgrounds and wooden display stands.

The exhibition opened today at 8:45am with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Unlike other openings only two short welcoming speeches were made, in Japanese of course.

A spacious exhibition hall showcasing various bonsai trees with some attendees taking photos. The layout includes display tables and spectators seated or walking around, highlighting a few larger bonsai specimens and a sparse crowd.
A spacious exhibition hall featuring various bonsai displays, with visitors walking and engaging in discussion.

Then we proceeded with cutting the ribbon welcoming visitors. I was very surprised that the foyer of the opening ceremony was not even filled. Usually it is packed with visitors, mostly from foreign countries. There was not a great presence of foreign visitors this year because most people are waiting for the upcoming 100th Kokufu Bonsai Exhibition in February. However, there were a good number of European visitors.

A group of individuals, dressed in formal attire, stands in front of a ribbon during a ceremonial opening for an exhibition, with a red carpet and decorations in the background.
A man wearing glasses and a navy blazer with a red rosette prepares to cut a ribbon during an exhibition opening ceremony.
A beautifully styled bonsai tree with a thick, twisting trunk and lush green foliage, displayed on a round wooden stand against a subtle background.
A detailed bonsai tree with a unique contorted trunk and lush green foliage, displayed in a terracotta pot.

A sculpture of a rock with a textured surface, displaying natural colors and patterns, placed on a wooden pedestal against a dark background.
An elderly man in a suit stands next to a large, intricately designed bonsai tree displayed on a wooden table. The bonsai has a thick trunk and a highly textured canopy. Behind them is a dark backdrop with a decorative scroll on the left.
A wooden table with a decorative rock sculpture on top, set against a yellow background.
A display of a bonsai tree with a textured trunk and lush green foliage, set against a black background and accompanied by a hanging scroll featuring a red circle design.
A close-up view of a bonsai display featuring moss-covered rocks and aged wood in a ceramic pot against a dark background.
A beautifully displayed bonsai tree with lush green foliage and intricate, twisted branches, set against a black background with a decorative scroll featuring Japanese characters.

The exhibition was very sparse with visitors, but this allowed others to easily photograph the bonsai. Too bad, because this year there were quite a number of masterpiece bonsai beautifully displayed this year there and a good number of large size bonsai, Chinese huge size. There were only two or three shohin bonsai compositions, probably because this same building will be overflowing with hundreds of small-size trees in early-January. Last year I actually counted nearly 600 shohin and mame size bonsai.

A beautifully styled bonsai tree with lush green foliage and a twisted trunk, displayed against a dark background.
A beautifully displayed bonsai tree with intricate root structures and vibrant green foliage, set against a dark background and a textile art piece.
A beautifully styled bonsai tree with lush green foliage and intricate twisted branches, displayed in a terracotta pot with moss.

The sales area was of course filled with everything should want for bonsai except for sale. I spent three days here, Thursday, Friday and Saturday and walked around in this room for 4.9 miles. We visited the exhibition until we almost dropped and had to take a short nap before dinner at our hotel resting up for the next day of bonsai study.

A bonsai tree with dense green foliage and textured bark displayed in a simple pot against a dark background.

Close-up of a bonsai tree trunk showcasing intricate bark texture and mossy ground below.
A large, intricately styled bonsai tree with lush greenery, displayed in a decorative pot atop a carved wooden stand, against a shimmering gold background.
A beautifully shaped bonsai tree with lush green foliage and intricate twisting branches, displayed against a black background and accompanied by a decorative scroll featuring Japanese calligraphy.

A beautiful bonsai tree with lush green needles and a gnarled trunk, displayed on a stone base, in front of a decorative scroll featuring a bird.

A large, intricately designed bonsai tree with extensive bare branches, displayed in a ceramic pot filled with moss, set against a dark backdrop.
A beautifully displayed bonsai tree with green foliage in a decorative pot, accompanied by a small plant and an artistic scroll in the background.

A large bonsai tree displayed in a minimalist exhibit space with a man observing it.

A bonsai tree with vibrant red berries, displayed in a blue ceramic pot, set against a backdrop of an exhibition hall with visitors.
A beautifully styled bonsai tree with lush green foliage and distinct twisted branches, placed in a brown pot. A red tag indicating 'sold' hangs from the tree.
A bonsai tree with intricate branches and pink blossoms, displayed in a blue pot at an exhibition.
A display of bonsai trees and pots at an exhibition, featuring a variety of shapes and sizes on a black table.
Two visitors observing bonsai displays at an exhibition featuring a collection labeled as 'Keijo Collection' in a well-lit gallery.

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The 2025 45th Edition of the Japan Bonsai Taikan Exhibition

A bonsai tree with a twisted trunk and lush green foliage, displayed on a wooden plinth against a matte black background.
A beautifully arranged bonsai tree with lush green foliage, displayed in a terracotta pot. Behind the bonsai is a hanging scroll with traditional Japanese calligraphy, set against a matte black background.
A beautifully styled bonsai tree with twisted branches and lush green foliage displayed in a round ceramic pot, set against a soft yellow background.

The 45th edition of this national level exhibition is being held on November 21-23, 2025 at the Miyako Messe in Kyoto, Japan. This is one of my favorite exhibitions in Japan because the bonsai are commonly displayed with hanging scrolls, suiseki and other fine art, with paintings too. An entire display can suggest a special personal memory or just a good story. This style of creative bonsai display is not commonly seen in Japan.

A bonsai tree with a sculptural, twisted trunk and vibrant green foliage, displayed in a simple pot against a black background.

Many years ago this exhibition had yellow, green and blue backgrounds which were difficult to photograph. A few years later some black backgrounds were introduced which were a bit easier to photograph. This year nearly the entire show has matt black backgrounds, but now fluorescent  lighting has been added, but are the trees are a bit difficult to photograph because of the uneven lighting causing glares. I could not see this problem at the exhibition, but was surprised with the image quality when the images were adjusted on my Mac laptop computer. But, I’m hoping to fix this problem because I still have two more complete days at the exhibition. However, four rows of the old yellow were still being used.

Three bonsai trees displayed on a wooden table, labeled with numbers 29, 66, and 108, in an exhibition space. A traditional hanging scroll with a mountain and artistic elements is visible in the background.
Three beautifully arranged bonsai trees displayed on a wooden table at an exhibition, with a black background enhancing their appearance.
Two bonsai trees displayed on a wooden table with identification tags numbered 89 and 72, surrounded by traditional Japanese artworks in the background.
A display of bonsai trees at an exhibition, featuring four trees with varying colors and styles on wooden tables under fluorescent lighting, set against a dark background.

Today was the final day for set up and judging to select the prize-winning bonsai. There were about 12-15 judges and it only took us about an hour of judging. Since the contenders for awards were moved from the display areas to long rows according to the categories by species and styles to be evaluated, many of the final displays were not yet set up. My iPhone and new AI eyeglasses are working well to capture the beauty of each the bonsai and displays. After we finished judging I stayed a few more hours to photograph more bonsai.

A beautifully arranged bonsai featuring lush green ferns on a textured rock base, displayed against a matte black background.
A bonsai display featuring tall, slender yellow grass arranged in a round pot set atop a wooden base, against a black background.
A beautifully styled bonsai plant with green leaves and delicate pink flowers, displayed in a decorative pot on a wooden stand against a dark background.

Stay tuned for my next group of photos tomorrow so you can see the current state of Japanese bonsai refinement and display styling,

A lush, green bonsai tree displayed on a wooden stand with intricate carvings, set against a black backdrop.
A vibrant bonsai tree with red and orange leaves placed on a wooden display table against a black background.
A display of a well-shaped bonsai tree with intricate bare branches and a thick, textured trunk, sitting on a decorative pot with green moss, against a black background.
A beautifully shaped bonsai tree with lush green leaves is displayed in front of a traditional Japanese hanging scroll featuring a mountain landscape.
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A Visit To Kunio Kobayashi’s Shunka-en Bonsai Museum

A serene bonsai garden featuring several intricately shaped bonsai trees displayed in pots, with a traditional Japanese building in the background.

On the way to Kyoto for garden tours and the major Nippon Bonsai Taikan Exhibition this coming weekend, we stopped and enjoyed the warm hospitality of Mr. & Mrs. Kunio Kobayashi at their Bonsai Museum. Located in the Edogawa Ward of Tokyo it is visited by numerous foreigners from around the world. My good friend Megumi Kadokura from Omiya joined us for this and other visits to the Japanese bonsai world. Her grandfather had a major bonsai garden in the 1950s in Omiya, so she actually grew up with bonsai. Everywhere she joins us the bonsai community is familiar with her family’s bonsai garden.

A collection of bonsai trees displayed on wooden stands in a garden setting, with various styles of Japanese black pines visible.

A view from inside a bonsai museum showcasing various bonsai trees arranged on stands in a tranquil garden setting. There is a round stone table and wooden stools in the foreground, along with a few ornamental containers.

Mr. Kobayashi is a friendly talented, skilled and creative bonsai artist who has presented over 200 demonstrations in 30 countries. He has received all the top bonsai awards in Japan. He is well known for his impressive and huge Japanese black pine bonsai. Although I last visited his garden in late April on my way home from teaching in China, I was really amazed at the large number of large-size Japanese black pines in training. Large, heavy trunked trees require unusual mechanical tools for shaping.

Interior view of a traditional Japanese room featuring a bonsai tree on display, with wooden flooring and a wall scroll depicting a sunset.
A beautifully sculpted bonsai tree featuring intricate branches and lush green foliage, displayed on a moss-covered base, with a wooden stand underneath.

When our group arrived in the morning he was giving an interview to Oscar Joker from Holland who teaches under his Bonsai Empire business. As he was answering questions he moved back and forth from his studio to his reception room full of foreign guests and again into his studio.

Interior view showcasing a traditional Japanese room with a hanging scroll featuring calligraphy and a small vase with a delicate flower arrangement on a tatami mat.

A traditional Japanese scroll hanging on a wall above a bonsai tree with orange fruits, displayed on a wooden stand, in a minimalist setting.
A traditional Japanese interior featuring a hanging scroll with painting and calligraphy on the left, and a round, dark ceramic pot with grass and purple flowers on a decorative surface in the foreground.
A bonsai arrangement featuring vibrant blue flowers and various grasses in a round pot, displayed on a dark, textured wooden plate against a neutral background.

Mr. Kobayshi is presenting a demonstration on Saturday at the Nippon Bonsai Taikan Exhibition in Kyoto. He was cleaning out his four-man size Japanese black pine demonstration tree. He used an air compressor to blow away debris from the center of tree. I also noticed a leaf blower he also probably uses.

A Japanese black pine bonsai tree with a textured trunk, displayed in a traditional pot on a wooden stand, set against a rustic background.
A bonsai tree displayed in a lightweight cart on a gravel surface, surrounded by other bonsai pots and natural elements.

Close-up of a Japanese black pine bonsai tree, showing its bark texture, attached mechanical tools for shaping, and green rafia tied around branches.

A leaf blower resting on a round table with a wooden block nearby, surrounded by plastic crates and a green trash bin.
Close-up of a Japanese black pine bonsai tree's roots and trunk, showcasing metal support cables and moss-covered ground in a bonsai garden.

Many of the branches were tied and labeled with raffia circles indicating which branches he intends to remove and shape on Saturday. We watched as four small-sized, but strong apprentices loaded the tree in a truck while Mr. Kobayashi directed the move. Hopefully I’ll have an opportunity to watch and learn from this creative artist and report with a few images while he shapes this large bonsai. You will not believe how he intends to shape this bonsai! Stay tuned for an update on his demonstration later on this week.

An elderly bonsai artist meticulously prunes a large Japanese black pine bonsai tree in a well-lit studio, showcasing intricate branch details and the tree's textured bark.
A bonsai artist carefully shaping a Japanese black pine bonsai, with lush green foliage and a textured trunk.
Close-up view of a Japanese black pine bonsai tree branch, showcasing its textured bark and green needles, with raffia tied around a branch for shaping.
Close-up view of a Japanese black pine bonsai tree, showcasing its textured bark and tied branches for shaping.
Close-up view of the textured bark of a large bonsai tree branch, showcasing intricate details and a strong, twisting growth pattern.
Close-up view of the textured bark of a bonsai tree, showcasing its intricate patterns and a hollow section.
Large Japanese black pine bonsai tree situated in a truck, surrounded by bags of soil and green tarp background.
A tranquil bonsai museum garden featuring a red wooden bridge, two potted bonsai trees, and a small pond with decorative rocks and plants.
Close-up of a golden ornamental cap on a red railing, with blurred bonsai trees in the background.
A woman and an elderly man sit smiling side by side on wooden benches, with bamboo plants in the foreground. The setting appears to be a serene outdoor area, possibly in a bonsai garden.
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My Second Visit to Omiya Bonsai Village & More

A beautifully maintained bonsai tree featuring intricate twisted branches and lush green foliage, set in a traditional dark ceramic pot.

Masahiko Kimura Studio

Today’s tour was visitation to the private studio of Masahiko Kimura, the great and innovator of unusual, fine bonsai. His garden is always changing and on today’s visit I noticed a great number of new bonsai, mostly Sargent juniper, Japanese five-needle pine and Japanese black pine. One of the reasons I enjoy his garden is that many of the trees on display are still in training with heavy rebar, lots of wiring and numerous trees he is changing the foliage with superior varieties. Also, he is friendly and answers all my questions.

A large, intricately styled bonsai tree, displaying dense green foliage and a textured trunk, situated in a traditional bonsai pot, with other bonsai visible in the background.
A carefully pruned Sargent juniper bonsai tree with a thick, textured trunk and lush green foliage, displayed in a black bonsai pot. The background features a garden setting with wooden tables and additional bonsai trees.
A large, well-manicured bonsai tree with intricate twisting branches and lush green foliage, displayed in a decorative container, surrounded by other bonsai in a tranquil garden setting.
A diverse collection of finely crafted bonsai trees arranged on a table inside a greenhouse, featuring varied species with intricate foliage and a natural stone display.
A display of three intricately styled bonsai trees on a wooden table, set inside a greenhouse. Each bonsai features lush green foliage and unique rock formations, showcasing the artistry of bonsai cultivation.
Close-up view of the textured bark of a bonsai tree, showcasing the intricate details and the use of rebar for training the branches.
A beautifully styled bonsai tree with lush green foliage and twisted, textured bark, displayed in a traditional bonsai pot.

A wooden bench displaying various bonsai trees, including bonsai with colorful foliage arranged in a well-maintained garden setting.
Interior of Masahiko Kimura's studio featuring shelves with various bonsai pots, a green mossy floor, and a decorative yellow fish on the wall.

A person moving a bonsai tree on a wooden cart, surrounded by greenery.

Aerial view of a bonsai garden featuring a pond with rocks and stone pathways, surrounded by various bonsai trees and a modern building in the background.

Omiya Bonsai Art Museum

This museum is under 15 years old and continues to change the garden design as well as the indoor exhibits. Most noticeably is a new garden pond with a gentle waterfall lined with bonsai. Many of the named famous bonsai were recently changed into slightly larger containers. Although it is easier to maintain evergreens rather than deciduous and broad-leaf evergreen species in the same style and size for decades, there comes a time when the tree must grow slightly to maintain health. Mr. Kimura’s most famous “Dragon” Sargent juniper bonsai has never been repotted in about 30 years. That’s amazing because it always looks healthy. I asked me some time back if he removed and replaced some of the soil and he said no.

A beautifully crafted bonsai tree in a ceramic pot, featuring lush green foliage and intricate branching, displayed next to a traditional Japanese scroll with calligraphy on a light-colored wall.

A circular stone frame showcases a bonsai plant with vibrant red leaves, set against a background of lush greenery and autumn foliage.
A beautifully shaped bonsai tree with vibrant yellow foliage, displayed in a rectangular pot on a wooden deck surrounded by greenery.

A beautifully shaped bonsai tree with vibrant yellow leaves, displayed on a wooden table next to a traditional Japanese scroll painting.
An artistic bonsai tree displayed on a wooden table in a minimalist interior setting, showcasing intricate branch structure and vibrant foliage.
Close-up of a unique bonsai tree with intricate twisting bark and vibrant green foliage.
A well-maintained bonsai tree with lush green foliage in a round planter, placed on a wooden table with a backdrop featuring a blue and white design.
A well-crafted bonsai tree with lush green foliage, elegantly shaped and displayed in a rectangular gray container, resting on a wooden platform. Decorative stones and moss enhance the aesthetic, set against a minimalist backdrop.
A yellow banner featuring the text '100th' in bold typography, accompanied by stylized artwork of a bonsai tree and Japanese characters celebrating the 100th anniversary of a bonsai-related organization.

Bonsai Village Gardens

We visited three most famous collections of Takahiro Kato (Mansai-en), Tomio Yamada (Seiko-en) and finally Hiroshi Takeyama (Fuyo-en.) Each of these three bonsai varied in species and styles, but all were beautifully trained and maintained. The atmosphere of each was apparent, if you could distinguish and understand the differences. Many of the most famous named masterwork bonsai were displayed but not labeled.

A bonsai garden featuring a variety of meticulously maintained bonsai trees, including one with vibrant yellow leaves in the foreground, set against a backdrop of traditional Japanese architecture.
A bonsai garden featuring a variety of meticulously arranged bonsai trees in different pots, showcasing vibrant autumn foliage and unique styles in a tranquil setting.
A beautiful bonsai tree with bright yellow and green leaves, displaying small orange fruits, sits in a clay pot on a wooden table. The background features other bonsai trees and a cloudy sky.
Close-up of a blooming cashmere tree with yellow flower spikes and dark green leaves.

Traditional Japanese structure with a moss-covered roof and decorative green curtains featuring Japanese characters.
A beautifully shaped bonsai tree with green and yellow leaves, displayed in a round pot against a backdrop of vertical wooden slats.
A vibrant bonsai garden displaying various species of bonsai trees, including Sargent juniper and Japanese five-needle pine. The trees are artistically arranged on wooden tables, surrounded by colorful autumn foliage.
A close-up of a twisted bonsai tree trunk with textured bark, surrounded by green foliage and moss in a bonsai garden setting.
A large, colorful bonsai tree with vibrant orange and yellow leaves is displayed in a white pot. The background features other bonsai trees and a garden setting.
Close-up of a bonsai tree trunk with smooth bark and colorful autumn leaves, showcasing the tree's roots and moss-covered pot.
Bonsai tree with vibrant red, orange, and yellow leaves in a decorative pot, displayed on a surface with moss and a neutral background.
A picturesque bonsai garden showcasing a variety of bonsai trees in vibrant fall colors, displayed on wooden tables against a backdrop of a building and a wire structure.
A sunlit bonsai garden featuring several carefully arranged bonsai trees in pots on stands, with a clear blue sky and a traditional Japanese building in the background.

S-Cube, Uchiku-tei Bonsai Garden of Seiji Morimae

Hanyu, Japan

This is probably the largest bonsai garden in Japan and is loaded with fine-quality bonsai, antique and modern containers, display tables, hanging scrolls, suiseki and both Chinese and Japanese antique art used to display and appreciate bonsai. He has “everything” for sale except tools, wire and soil. He now operates two other retail shops in Tokyo.

Bonsai tree with autumn foliage displayed in a garden setting.

A collection of well-maintained bonsai trees displayed on wooden stands in a bonsai garden, featuring various species under a clear blue sky.
A display of various bonsai pots arranged on wooden shelves, showcasing different colors, sizes, and styles.
Close-up view of the root system of a bonsai tree showing detailed textures and soil.

Mr. Morimae patiently waited for our group’s visit before rushing off to Kyoto for the Taikan Bonsai Exhibition. We will be visiting on Friday the opening day. Two large semi-trucks filled with trees and other art for his sales area at the exhibition had just left for the seven to eight journey, in addition to a HiAce large van with more sales items. He is traveling by Bullet train.

A well-crafted bonsai tree with vibrant green foliage and intricate, twisted branches, displayed in a rectangular pot on a stone surface, surrounded by smaller plants.
A collection of small bonsai trees with colorful autumn leaves in blue pots, labeled with white tags.
A finely crafted bonsai tree with twisting, aged branches and lush green foliage, displayed in a shallow container with moss, under a protective pergola.

For the past several years he has been producing a weekly FREE YouTube series “Wabi Channel.”When searching for it be sure to add “Channel”, as there are many videos which begin with Wabi. They are very educational. Although most topics are for more experienced hobbyists, several have been aimed for beginners. Other topics such as pricing bonsai, old famous masterpiece bonsai, suiseki (both how to display two stones together and discusses the cutting of stones), care and maintenance, how bonsai are shaped and much more.

He has about 200 different episodes. All are well-produced by his daughter Yukiko, who makes him film with only ONE take and with no script too! Although the videos are in Japanese, they are all well translated with good English captions which can be easily found. The only thing I don’t like is that I carefully must watch to read the English captions, if you don’t speak Japanese. Here is a hint from Diane to makes things easier to read the captions. Just change the speed to 50% or 75% to give you enough time to properly understand and read the captions. The Japanese audio will sound funny played slowly. But, if you don’t understand, it makes no difference how it sounds.

www.youtube.com/@WABICHANNEL-kf5xf/videos

Last week’s episode was on the “Spirit of Antique Chinese Containers.” The episodes do not drag out and most are approximately 10 to 15 minutes in length.

Thumbnail for a YouTube video titled 'Decorating the Mid-Autumn Moon – Bonsai and Suisekireimagining Tsukimi Transitions'. The image features a bonsai plant and a decorative stone arrangement with text in Japanese and English, and a duration of 7:45.
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A YouTube thumbnail featuring Master Masahiko Kimura discussing a new stone-mounted Shinpaku bonsai, with a timer indicating a 34-minute video.
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Have fun and learn a lot, I do, as does Diane who watches them with me.

A bonsai tree with vibrant autumn leaves displayed on a table, accompanied by a decorative stone and a rustic wooden base.

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My First Visit to the Omiya Bonsai Village… this trip, but not the last.

A traditional Japanese garden entrance with a thatched roof, surrounded by well-manicured bushes and trees, located in Omiya Bonsai Village.

Kora Dalager, my tour organizer and leader, Dave Steele and I arrived last week to attend the 100thAnniversary of Omiya Bonsai Village ceremony last week, before our formal tour begins tomorrow.

A vibrant yellow-leaved bonsai tree stands prominently in the foreground, surrounded by various other bonsai trees in different shapes and sizes at a bonsai garden.

Dave and I had a “free” day so we hopped on two trains to visit the Omiya Bonsai Village

A decorative fence with tall vertical spikes, positioned above a low wall, set against a clear blue sky.
View of a bonsai garden featuring various bonsai trees in pots, arranged on wooden tables, with a clear blue sky in the background.
Close-up of autumn leaves in shades of brown and yellow, capturing the intricate textures and details of the foliage.
Close-up of the bark of an old bonsai tree, showcasing its textured, wrinkled surface and intricate patterns.

“Cut leaf Japanese beech, leaf edges burned

Each layer of this pine bark represents a year’s growth!

In” the central section of the train station we found a good exhibit of Omiya Bonsai, next to a “few sales tables of Omiya Bonsai for sale, and finally a demonstration area where watched the creation of a moss ball bonsai. These were nothing like the bonsai sold in the malls..  But they did have an accessory planting of moss for sale for $116. Must have been a good container or good moss. I wonder if it sold?

An exhibit showcasing various bonsai trees at Omiya Bonsai Village, with informational signs and visitors observing the display.
Bonsai trees displayed at the 100th Anniversary of Omiya Bonsai Village, featuring various styles and colors, with a crowd in the background.

A bonsai tree showcased at the 100th Anniversary of Omiya Bonsai Village, featuring a leafy top and twisted trunk, displayed on a pedestal with a '100th' logo.
A beautifully arranged bonsai tree with multiple green tops and a textured trunk, displayed on a table with a pot and moss. A sign in front indicates it is approximately 100 years old and is from Mansai-en.
A variety of bonsai plants displayed on a table in a marketplace setting, with two men engaging in conversation in the background.
A vibrant green moss ball displayed on a shallow ceramic plate, with a textured surface and surrounding decorative items.
A close-up view of a moss ball bonsai with a price tag indicating 8000 yen on a textured background.

Dave and I casually walked in the warm sunny weather and visited Hiroshi Takeyama’s Fuyo-en Bonsai Garden, my favorite in Japan. He, like me specializes in deciduous, forests and unusual species bonsai.

A large bonsai garden featuring various potted bonsai trees arranged on wooden tables, with colorful foliage in the background and a few buildings visible.
Bonsai tree displayed on a wooden stand in an indoor setting, with various pots and tools visible on the floor below.
A vibrant bonsai tree with multicolored leaves in shades of green, yellow, and red, displayed in a blue ceramic pot against a neutral background.

A vibrant bonsai tree with green and yellow leaves displayed in a blue pot, set against a clear blue sky and traditional Japanese garden background.
A bonsai tree with vibrant yellow and green foliage, featuring a large yellow fruit, set against a muted background.
A close-up view of a bonsai tree with vibrant orange and yellow foliage, displayed in a round ceramic pot, surrounded by lush greenery.
A close-up of a hand resting on the surface of a large bonsai tree's root, set in a blue pot on a wooden table.

Hiromi Hamano proprietor of Toju-en Bonsai Garden passed away, The garden, was established in 1931 by his father Motosuke (Masahiko Kimura & Shinji Suzuki’s teachers.) A young, but talented, 26-year-old artist purchased the garden. Hirota Kanta became the 3rd generation proprietor of Toju-en Bonsai Garden this past July. I have watched his well-produced informal videos on YouTube, almost every day. They are educational. Even though they are in Japanese they include full English captions, not Japanese-English.

A person with round glasses sitting at a table, holding chopsticks, and gesturing while enjoying a meal that includes vegetables and dumplings. Two glasses of green tea are on the table.

In a recent episode he casually cooked lunch for his helpers, Katsudonbori, one of my most favorite Japanese dishes. I had first met him the day before at the 100th Anniversary Omiya Bonsai Village Ceremony. He was pleasant and spoke some English. When Dave and I entered his garden Hirota Kanta came to welcome us. Jokingly I said where is the Katsudonburi? He said, not today, but we have curry rice and invited us to join him and his mother for lunch. I was embarrassed, because I was just kidding around! One of my friends Megumi Kadokura met us there and was also invited to a tasty lunch, complete with a salad and cold green tea. 

A person holding a small bonsai tree with green leaves, smiling while wearing a hat.

 www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-EC4IjzkeU

www.youtube.com/watch?v=7R1m5cGRLug

I met Megumi several years ago when she posted old videos and photos of her grandfather’s bonsai garden. I actually visited his garden in 1971 and told my teacher about my new discovery. Of course, he went to visit Mr. Kadokura and according to the Japanese bonsai custom he had to purchase a bonsai. My teacher, Kakutaro Komuro asked the price for a beautiful Toyo Nishiki Japanese flowering quince bonsai. Mr. Kadokura responded with “not for sale” then my teacher said I’ll give you a million yen for it. The next words were sold. I cared for this bonsai for many months and in fact Megumi had photos of it 50 years ago.

Hirota Kanta’s YouTube videos are great and here are a couple of links you can watch:

By the way perhaps you noticed my new black rimmed glasses. Diane showed them to me and I fell in love with them. They are the new prescription Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses- AI. This one pair of glasses can take photos, video, translate (not Japanese yet) several European languages including Portuguese. I’m still learning how to use them.. All the controls are on the side rail. Even Joe Noga was amazed at the image quality. And they are blue tooth connected to my iPhone too! I can answer the phone and have conversations and even listen to my “elevator” & church music without disturbing those around me. Oh, Facebook Reels too. Several of the photos in this blog were taken with my new glasses and it really came in handy when my iPhone ran out of power.

A vibrant bonsai tree laden with bright red berries, displayed in a gray pot, set against a backdrop of other bonsai plants.
A vibrant bonsai tree with red and orange leaves, showcasing autumn colors against a clear blue sky. The tree is potted in a decorative bowl, surrounded by other plants in a bonsai garden.