C

Sales Area

Like most exhibitions, this is the most popular area of the event. Most foreigners go past the bonsai exhibition upon entry and head directly to the sales area. Nearly anything you need or want for bonsai creation, training or appreciation can be found here, except for collected trees. A few items are quite inexpensive, but most are on the higher end because many Japanese spend more than foreigners on their hobby. Inside the sales area you can find a good size quick eating corner where hot food, sandwiches and bento boxes can be inexpensively purchased and enjoyed there. Near the entrance to the sales area a TV was playing a great video on shohin bonsai. Once inside a layout sign with the names of the 50 plus vendors are listed so you can find what you are looking for.

 

An area was set up for short demos and even workshops. Guided tours of the exhibition will be held on Sunday. The demo area was rearranged later on Saturday for the award ceremony.

Winter Flowering Jasmine

 

Dwarf Star Jasmine

 

Rough Bark Privet

 

Serissa!!

 

White Spindle Tree

 

Common Privet

 

Crepe Myrtle

 

 

During the set-up three photographers from Kinbon magazine were shooting all the bonsai for the commemorative photo album which will be published in spring. Each composition was carefully placed on the photo stage and checked with snapshots for exact placement. The commemorative album will be published in a few months.

Even show chairman, Koji Hiramatsu, helped watering

Like all Japanese bonsai exhibitions, the Gafu Ten Shohin Bonsai Exhibition did not disappointed and I was very impressed with the organization, layout and how the professionals staffed the event. Plus, and more importantly, the small size jewels of this Japanese bonsai art were exquisite and beautifully displayed for visitors to appreciate and study. Tomorrow morning we will be rushing to Nagoya for another large bonsai exhibition.