The exhibition officially opened after the ribbon cutting ceremony at 8:40am. Politicians, Japanese bonsai dignitaries, a Chinese penjing collector and American bonsai bonsai leader cut the red and white ribbon to allow a crowd of visitors entry to the exhibition.

The Prime Minister Award was presented to a Japanese black pine originally created by Mr. Kimura.

There were a great number of Japanese and foreign visitors on the opening day, and most foreigners went directly into the huge sales area to get the “good items” before others. I seriously doubt Japan would sell out. However, Mr. Morimae did sell out before noon, and that report tomorrow.

There were six special displays including a one man showing from Mr. Kobayashi and Mr. Suzuki, more details tomorrow on Mr. Suzuki and his son’s displays.

Mr. Saito’s display featured Rough bark Japanese maples

Mr. Funayama’s display featured Japanese five-needle pine from Shikoku, Nasu and Azama.

 

Mr. Kobayashi’s displayed some of his finest creations including a famous Chinese quince from the collection of Yasunari Kawabata, a Japanese novelist and Nobel Prize winner in literature.

The displays were superb as were the individual bonsai. They looked much better formally displayed. The common display area entry fee is $500, while the larger alcove like areas with purple bunting were $1,000. One of the special displays cost $10,000.

Enjoy, time for me to return to the show.