START BONSAI

Various Pots: Select Suitable for Species and Shape

2013-04-03T06:35:45Z

Shitate Pot and Kesho Pot

　With the growth of bonsai, the pot is changed. An unglazed pot called "Shitate bachi" is often used when the tree is young. The reddish pot is available for purchase at hardware store. It allows air and water to pass through easily and can retain water. So the roots grow well and the tree grows fast.

　When the tree grows, it is transplanted to a pot for appreciation called "Kesho bachi." There are many choices according to the tree's species and shape. If the pot is suitable for the tree, the bonsai enrich the value.

Yuyakumono and Deimono

Round of Guangdong (left), rectangle of Namako (upper right) and white Kochi (lower right)

　There are two types of pots: Yuyakumono with glaze and Deimono without glaze. Yuyakumono features the bright color. There are many types such as Kochi, Guangdong, and Nanjing named after its production area and Namako and Kin-yu named after the appearance.

Round of Kowatari (antique) Udei

　Deimono has relaxed and dignified atmosphere. It is said the pot is suitable for Shohaku (trees of Pinaceae and Cupressaceae). According to the paste and the finish, it is called Shudei, Shidei, Udei, Koudei, Hakudei and so on.

　In Japan, pots were made before the Edo Era. But Chinese pots which are older than Japanese ones are prized and in heavy usage. It is called Kowatari, Nakawatari, Shinto, and Shinshinto in chronological order. Kowatari pots are made until the end of Qing dynasty. The pots are high-quality goods used as the burial accessories for noble people in China. Nakawatari which is common in Japan have arrived from the middle of the Meiji Era to the Taisho Era. Shinto have arrived from the end of Taisho Era to Showa Era, and Shinshinto have done after the World War Ⅱ.

Kyogoku Shiho for shohin bonsai (three of the left) and Shuzan

　The common Japanese pots are Tokoname, Shigaraki, Bizen, and Seto. Especially the pots made by some famous artists such as Tofukuji, Yusen and Shuzan are very popular.

(By Shigeo Hano)

Variois Tools (2) Future Subject: Succession of Skill of Artisan

2013-04-03T06:17:39Z

Tools to curve trunks and branches (two of the right) and tools for carve (two of the left)

Help Power Technique

　The two tools of the right in the picture are used to curve trunks and branches for adaptation. They are no name and his original which he ordered from blacksmith. It is necessary to bend thick trunks and to change the angle. To bend branches over without breaking is a power technique. So he pays considerable attention to cure. Right after wiring, he removes tools from trees.

Nakanishi made the two tools of the left in the picture of screwdriver by himself. Those tools are used to carve Jin and Shari. They came from his idea in his long bonsai experience. It can be used for secluded trunks and branches to carve.

Adaptation Real Pleasure

　Looking at a new tree, he thinks how to adapt to set off the best part of it. And he bent the straight trunks and branches, and creates the front of the tree. These works are the part of adaptation. He thinks it is the real pleasure of bonsai and produced some good works. The best season for adaptation is from November to spring when trees stop growing.

Kuromatsu (Japanese black pine) "Kotobuki" which Nakanishi is adapting by the tools

　Nakanishi who is particular about tools has a concern of the historical background. it is the decrease of craftsman making tools. The number of Tokoname pots good for bonsai is decreasing because of the decrease of artists making pots. The number of blacksmith is also decreasing because of the reduction of demand. He thinks, "The important part for good bonsai is not only trees but also tools fit comfortably in hands and pots people can enjoy choosing." He hopes the succession of the skill of an artisan.

Nakanishi bent the trunk of Akamatsu (Japanese red pine) at Nakanishi Chinshoen bonsai garden in Takamatsu's Kinashi town.

(By Shigeo Hano)

Various Tools (1) Good Tool for Good Work

2013-03-26T04:34:48Z

Efficiency and Fineness

　The most common tool is scissors. It is necessary not only for bonsai artists but also for nonprofessional people to cut branches. The white ones are made of stainless steel. From the left, a scissors for cutting branches, for thick branches, for Mekiri (cutting the buds), and for Metsumi (picking out the buds).The black one which is made of iron is also for Mekiri. The stainless steel scissors are more expensive than iron one because it is easy to take care and lasts for a long time without rust.

Scissors for cutting

　Nakanishi says, "For good working, I prefer to use the good tools regularly. The good ones have better feel and better sound. In addition, it can be fixed."

　There are also many kinds of scissors to cut or remove wires. Same as scissors for cutting, the white one is made of stainless steel and the black one is made of iron. For different uses, there are a variety of different shapes such as curved edge, long grip, and the size of a palm.

Scissors to cut or remove wires

　There are also many shapes of scissors to cut branches: round edge, sharp edge, downward cut edge, and so on.

Scissors to cut branches

Tools for Trees

　For scissors, the main tool for bonsai, there are so many kinds. That is to say, it can be used for various purposes. Bonsai artists use the different scissors according to the position and thickness of each branch. So it requires the ability to select an appropriate tool. In addition, it is necessary to have a fine sense. Cutting branches, they consider not only the shape just after cutting but also the tree's growth.

Yoichi Nakanishi cut the buds at Nakanishi Chinshoen bonsai garden in Takamatsu's Kinashi town.

　In general, we learn how to select and use tools from the ancient wisdom and experience. However Nakanishi says, "I think it is important to try without fearing failure. Even if you fail, it helps you to improve." And he adds, "I am sure tools are not for bonsai artists, but for the living trees."

(By Shigeo Hano)

Wiring (2) Change of thickness depend on branch

2010-12-22T06:10:43Z

Base to apex

　He wires the branches which are protected with a band made from raffia palm. The standard order of wiring is from base to apex and from thick to thin part. In order of ichinoeda (the first branch found from the base of a tree), ninoeda (the second branch found from the base of a tree), and sannoeda (the third branch found from the base of a tree), he wires from base to apex. He check the position of each branch and uses 7 wires which are of varying thickness for Kuromatsu (Japanese black pine) whose height is 68 centimeters and width is 95 centimeters.

　It's detailed work with hands but he keeps doing smoothly. Sometimes he looks at the tree from a distance and checks the whole balance. If the distance between a branch and other branch is wide, he modifies the position to bend the branch with wire. On the contrary, if the branches overlap one another, he opens them crossly and arranges the tree's shape. It is advanced technique which changes the branch's shape of bonsai trees in a pot at will.

He wires branches checking the position of each branch. (at Ideue Kikkoen bonsai garden in Takamatsu's Kinashi town)

Make cut branch to Jin (perished branch)

　Ideue doesn't always wire. When he thinks the tree take a great deal of strain, he avoids wiring even if he wants to do it. Wiring is the work to shape branch unnaturally so it could hurt the tree.

Kuromatu (Japanese black pine) before wiring (left) and after wiring (right)

　The tree sometimes gains the atmosphere of old tree when the cut branches use for Jin (perished branch). He made Jin (perished branch) with a branch which was cut 2 years ago.

　He said, "I imagine the beautiful Jin (perished branch) when I cut a branch. It is important to be natural over time. It is our role to use the full attraction of trees. "

Ideue takes care of his trees after shipment. He keeps wiring for trees which was bought by bonsai lovers, and tries to advance the bonsai tree in rank.

（By Shigeo Hano）

Wiring (1) Important point to shape trees

2010-12-22T05:46:03Z

Attraction of new trees

　Before wiring, thinning out the needles and cut off the unnecessary branches.
Of course, bonsai artists have image of the final shape when they cut branches. It is necessary to consider which branch to cut off, and do confidently and drastically.

The work to cut off the unnecessary branches (at Ideue Kikkoen bonsai garden in Takamatsu's Kinashi town)

　Ideue chose Kuromatsu (Japanese black pine) which is Yamadori (collections from mountains) and Shakkan (slanting trunk) for wiring for this time. It seems to be over 150 years because of its split of trunk surface and its shape of weather‐beaten Shari (decayed trunk). It has been grown in a pot for a long time and is a new tree never is wired.

　Ideue said with a passionate voice, "It is exciting for me to be the first artist for a tree which never be taken care by anybody. I want to find the most of its potential like using the unnecessary branch to make Jin (perished branch)."

Using unnecessary branch to make Jin (perished branch)

Require careful prior protection

The branches which are grown in a pot for a long time have the flexibility. It needs to take sensitive care especially for old trees such as over 150 years old.

　So ideue uses a band not to break branches off when he wires trees. The band is made from fiber of raffia palm's leaves which is native of Madagascar and it decays naturally over time.

Ideue protects branches with a band made from fiber of raffia palm.

　Ideue's style is to use the natural form. He does not make the unnatural shape. However there is a way to graft a branch on trunk for the good shape, he dare not use it because he believes the natural shape is the best. We can feel his spirit through his experience of bonsai over 40 years.

（By Shigeo Hano）

Tsugiki (graｆt) （2）Take a great deal of time and care to trimming and watering

2010-12-22T05:29:15Z

Need much water

　Graft tree just after Tsugiki (graft) is like a human baby. It needs to be paid careful attention until it has cambium and takes root on stock.

　First, water needles to keep the graft wet. There is another way to cover it with plastic bag containing moisture because it is in very sensitive situation.

Cover a tree with plastic bag to keep its moisture.

　Graft tree grafted in February will have buds called "Rosoku (buds which is long and straight like a candle)" in May. Ayada said, "To come out 'Rosoku' is the evidence that graft takes a root on stock. When I see the trees grow well, I feel my work in winter season has been paid off." He is waiting the season comes.

Ship in next fall

　The seedlings grafted this year will ship in next fall. Until then, they will be taken much care in Ryoshoen bonsai garden. After the grafts take a root on stock with the careful watering as mentioned above, growers start to cultivate.

Ayada looking the seedling grafted this year in Ryoshoen bonsai garden in Takamatsu's Kokubunji town

　They cut the turion and shape the tree from fall to next spring. While Ayada grafts trees, Tadahi, his successor, shapes the trees. They do these works during this season and takes much care including watering in fall. And then, they shape the trees again before shipment.

Trimming of grafted seedling

　Ayada said, "That's all what we do. We devote all our attention to grow seedlings. Since then, we hope the trees will become masterpieces by some highly-skilled expert." In his field, there are many seedlings grafted last year and this year. They grow so fast in a year beyond our expectation.

（By Shigeo Hano）

Tsugiki（graft）(1) Breeding with same nature of mother trees

2010-12-22T05:12:29Z

Masterful technique of Tsugiki (graft)

Season come earlier by global warming

　It is said that the best season for Tsugiki (graft) of pine tree is from mid-February to mid-March. But, because of the recent global warming, it starts in late January. Ayada, regarded as master of Tsugiki (graft), always do the work during the period.

　The recent popular varieties are "Kotobuki Yatsufusa" and "Sunsho" of Kuromatsu (Japanese black pine), and "Hebinome" and "Orizuru" of Akamatsu (Japanese red pine). "Orizuru" is a variety whose needles bend like a orizuru (paper crane).

　There is a mother tree of Kotobuki Yatsufusa named "Senjumaru" in Ayada's field. The lower part is Kotobuki, but upper part became Kotobuki Yatsufusa by mutation. Many seedlings grew from this mother tree.

Mother tree of Kotobuki Yatsufusa named "Senjumaru" in Ryoshoen in Takamatsu's Kokubunji town

Need knowledge

　Two-years-old Kuromatsu Misho (Japanese black pine grown from seed) trees are often used for Tsugiki (graft) as stock. There are many ways of Tsugiki (graft) such as "Teitsugi" which puts a tree having a diagonally cut to base of the root, "Takatsugi" which puts a tree to cleft at the tip of a stock, and "Mikitsugi" which grafts a tree to unbranched or withered part of trunk. The best part of Tsugiki (graft) is to get the measure of the natures of stocks and grafts and cultivate seedling with potential in various ways.

Kotobuki Yatsufusa grafted by "Teitsugi" (left) and "Mikitsugki" (right)

　As important points of Tsugiki (graft), Ayada gave four points: knowledge, experience, technique and sense. He said most important thing is to have knowledge of best season, condition of stocks and grafts, and cares.

　The difficult work of Tsugiki (graft) is to make the joint naturally. Of course, it needs advanced technique and experience.

（By Shigeo Hano）

Display （1） Intimateness; Sole bonsai center managed by JA in Japan

2010-09-03T06:35:08Z

About 20 growers exhibit together

　There is a Kokubunji Bonsai Center along prefectural road 33 in Kokubunji town in Takamatsu city in Kagawa prefecture. Since it has been established in1968, it never closes except the New Year. There are always about 8000 trees such as Shohaku (trees of Pinaceae and Cupressaceae), Zoki (trees except Pinaceae and Cupressaceae), and wild grasses and trees in about 3300 square meters' space. 28 bonsai growers of Kokubunji town exhibit and sell most of their proud trees with price tags.

　Sakka Kazuhiro, director of JA Kagawa Fureai Center Kokubunji branch which manages it, says, "This is the only bonsai center which is managed by JA in Japan. Its attraction is the intimateness like a direct-from-the-farm market and the low price. We hope every visitor to enjoy the easy display."

Spacious displays in JA Kokubunji Bonsai Center

Effect of baby-boomers and expressway

　By the influence of discount of expressway on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, visitors to Kagawa by cars from other prefecture increase in 2009.

　It also occurs to this center and many people checked it on the internet. These visitors nearly always buy trees. They like the special low price of producing area and tend to order using home-delivery service.

Many visitors in Bonsai Festival in spring

It is kind for visitors that all trees have the price tags.

　By the baby-boomers' retirement, there are many people having enough time and money, and it promote the popularity of bonsai and sales of Shohaku (trees of Pinaceae and Cupressaceae) bonsai which was in a little slump. The price of Shohaku (trees of Pinaceae and Cupressaceae) is higher than Zoki (trees except Pinaceae and Cupressaceae), and wild grasses and trees. So JA welcomes this tendency.

　Exhibitors come there every day, and restock and change trees. Therefore visitors can talk with them in a high rate.

　Sakka says, "Sales through internet is increasing. We will try to advance public relations and renewal of our website."

（By Shigeo Hano）

Care in Spring　（３） Chinese Juniper: Transplant advance the tree in rank

2010-09-03T06:26:32Z

Once in ４ or ５ years

　However Zoki (trees except Pinaceae and Cupressaceae) which grows fast needs to be transplanted every year, the roots of pine trees grow slowly and it is enough to transplant every 4 or 5 years. It is the time to transplant when a pot is filled with the roots. If you miss this timing, the roots fill the pot full and the tree comes out from the pot. The work of transplant puts a great strain on a tree having such situation and causes damage to the tree easily.

　First pull a tree out from a pot and remove the soil which put in the pot at the last transplant several years ago. Then cut down the protruding thin roots. It is better to leave the roots grown in all directions and cut the crooked roots down. And then remove the dust by washing in water and remove the dirt at the base by brush.

First pull a tree out from a pot and remove the old soil and roots.

Choose upgraded pot

　Next, choose the new pot and put the soil, mixture of sand and Akadama soil. To be attached firmly to a tree, they poke the soil with a spatula and erase the space. Sometimes they fix and stabilize a tree with wire. Finally finish a bonsai with decorative sand. Fijiyoshi told us that it is better to make a few holes in the soil for watering.

They are showing the important work to make the soil attached to a tree.

Goyomatsu (Japanese white pine) after transplanting

　The right size of pot is equal-sized or a little bigger one. If you choose an oversized pot, the tree's root will be damaged by much water. The tree will gain attractiveness as the years go by, so it is better to choose an upgraded pot.

　After transplanting, give much water for clean the dust in the bottom of a pot. As the roots start to grow in the season, you will find the new roots come out in a week. The sensitive cares like this advance the bonsai tree in rank.

（By Shigeo Hano）

Care in Spring （２） Zoki (trees except Pinacese and Cupressaceae); drastic cutting

2010-09-03T06:14:54Z

Cut the roots and branches into half

　He showed us the transplant of Kangumi (Elaeagnus pungens) which is about 15 years old. Before the work, the height is 17 centimeters and there is Tochoshi (a branch that has inharmoniously grown too long and strong in momentum). Zoki (trees except Pinacese and Cupressaceae) which grows fast needs to be transplanted in one or two years because the mature roots fills the pot ant it causes the bad drainage.

Kangumi (Elaeagnus pungens) before transplanting

　When transplanting a tree, cut the roots into half and remove most of the soil. However leaves of deciduous trees fall naturally from the trees, evergreen trees such as Gumi (oleaster), Kuchinashi (gardenia), and Binankazura (Kadsura japonica) needs to be took the leaves off. If people cut the old branches drastically, many new branches grow. After planting in new soil, it is necessary to give much water for clean the dust in the bottom of a pot. This way, you will enjoy the beautiful fresh green in a month.

A tree after cutting the leaves and the roots

Choose a pot provides great pleasure

　Hiramatsu just took about 20 minutes to prune Kangumi (Elaeagnus pungens) into 14 centimeters with a practical hand. It looks like a bare tree but new buds are coming out. He says, "Zoki (trees except Pinacese and Cupressaceae) is so active that its cutting can root. Drastic cutting causes no problem."

Kangumi (Elaeagnus pungens) after transplanting

　It is said each transplanting advances the bonsai tree in rank. Of course it gains attractiveness as the years go by, but also it does by adaptation and wiring at transplanting. And to choose suitable pot for its growth is also effective for being attractive.

　Especially for Shohin bonsai, pots are more important than other types of bonsai because it is decollated with others. Therefore choosing a pot for a various display will provide us the great pleasure.

（By Shigeo Hano）

Care in Spring （1）Thinning out the needles promote photosynthesis and prevent disease and pest

2010-09-03T06:01:05Z

Lots of sunlight

　Growers do Hasukashi (thinning out the needles) from the second half of November through the first half of April. By thinning out the needles, trees can catch the sun and the wind, and it promotes photosynthesis and prevents disease and pest. It is also important work for the inside buds hidden by thick needles to give lots of sunlight.

　They thin out the half of the young needles which come out this year as well as the withered old needles. About half or a third needles are thinned out. Hiramatsu thins out the needles rhythmically with his hands.

　The professional growers do Hasukashi (thinning out the needles) and Hariganekake (wiring) at the same time and form its branches effectively. It is called Seishi.

Branch before Hasukashi

Branch after Hasukashi

Be carefully for old tree

　There is a bonsai in Shunshoen Bonsai Garden for which Hiramatsu adapted a-meter-high Kuromatsu (Japanese black pine) tree. It is so famous that a bonsai magazine featured its change.

Hiramatsu works on Hasukashi (thinning out the needles) of Kuromatsu (Japanese black pine) which he adapted in Shunshoen bonsai garden in Takamatsu's Kokubunji town.

　Before adaptation, the Kuromatsu (Japanese black pine) tree was huge and it seemed the only way was to grow it in the garden. But Hiramatsu found its great character. He cut down the long and thick branches in upper part and adapted the height and width to 58 centimeters by Jack. Shari (decayed trunks) and Jin (perished branches) which show us its history are arranged in well-balanced. The finish is wonderful.

　Hiramatsu said the tree is about 50 years old. It is also important for old trees to do Hasukashi (thinning out the needles). Every spring, he works on Hasukashi (thinning out the needles) with the fondness.

（By Shigeo Hano）

Green Festa Kokubunji

2009-09-04T08:20:41Z

Dates	October23（Fri.）～October25（Sun.） AM9：00～PM17：00
Location	Tachibana no oka Sports Park （Kokubunji-cho,Takamatsu-shi, Kagawa Japan）
Inquiries	JA Kagawa Prefecture's Kokubunji bonsai center TEL：087-874-1215

Kinashi Bonsai and Garden Plants Festival No. 27

2009-09-04T07:58:56Z

Dates	October30（Fri.）～November2（Sun.） AM9：00～PM17：00
Location	Kinashi Garden Plants bonsai center （Kinashi-cho,Takamatsu-shi, Kagawa Japan）
Inquiries	secretariat：(087)881-2808　place：(087)882-4091

Where to purchase?　Go to bonsai gardens, exhibitions

2009-03-09T05:16:18Z

Visiting bonsai gardens

Vast bonsai fields stretch through Takamatsu's Kinashi and Kokubunji areas. A number of bonsai gardens are located near the fields. Visitors can see garden owners busy caring for their bonsai products.

Bonsai gardens are virtually a treasure house for bonsai lovers. Not only shohaku evergreen pines but a variety of species, such as zoki deciduous trees and wild plants, are grown there. Each bonsai garden has its own features and specialty. It would be the ultimate excitement for bonsai lovers to spend time visiting gardens and comparing their products.

Bonsai gardens are advantageous in that a visitor can purchase products there at low cost and also consult with professional bonsai growers. They offer buyers bonsai basics and after-sales service. Some buyers of high-quality trees entrust the gardens their trees for daily care there.

JA Kagawa Prefecture's Kokubunji bonsai center, which has a full range of products, located in Takamatsu's Kokubunji area.

Seize a chance at exhibitions

Two major bonsai fairs are held each fall in Takamatsu. One is the Kinashi Bonsai and Garden Plants Festival in the Kinashi area, and the other is the Green Festa Kokubunji in the Kokubunji district. Both are popular among bonsai lovers. During the events, masterpieces are put on display. In addition, producers give lessons and demonstrations. Spot sale sessions are also held. In such sessions, bonsai trees are sold at relatively affordable prices. Buyers can directly talk to producers on such occasions.

Bonsai trees are on shelves in order at the Kinashi Bonsai and Garden Plants Festival in Takamatsu's Kinashi area.

Bonsai lovers look for items at the Green Festa Kokubunji in Takamatsu's Kokubunji area.

Besides the two major fairs, many more bonsai events are held, such as spring and summer bonsai festivals. In those events, visitors can often receive lessons on sentei tree-trimming and hariganekake wiring techniques.

JA Kagawa Prefecture's Kokubunji bonsai center is located in Takamatsu's Kokubunji township. Its telephone number is 087-874-2795 for a call within Japan outside of Takamatsu and 81-87-874-2795 for a call from outside Japan. It is situated alongside prefectural highway 33. About 8,000 matsu pine and zoki deciduous trees planted in vessels are put on the shelves for sale there. No admission fee is required to enter the bonsai center, which is open seven days a week, except for the year-end and New Year's holiday season. A rich variety of bonsai trees with fixed prices are on the shelves. Visitors can take their time searching for a favorite bonsai. It is a sacred spot for bonsai lovers.

　（By Shigeo Hano）

translated by Kyodo News

How to choose a good tree, material

2009-03-02T02:33:52Z

A more than 100-year-old kuromatsu (Japanese Black Pine) tree collected from a mountain.

Selection of trees

In the case of ''kuromatsu'' (Japanese Black Pine), a low-growing tree with a thick root is basically better. Also important is to look into the subject's edajun branch lineup and nebari visible root spread. It is better to consult with professionals and also to imagine how to fix up the tree by wiring in the future. A young tree with a ganseki rock style of mikihada trunk surface is promising.

A goyomatsu (Japanese White Pine) tree is usually grafted to a mother tree of kuromatsu (Japanese Black Pine). So it is better to choose one whose grafting mark is covert. An ideal tree is one whose joint with its mother tree would become unable to spot as it is getting older. It is better to pick a tree with a thick root which spreads in all directions powerfully. Also important is a good kokejun trunk that tapers off toward the apex. A short-leaved tree without twists is better.

An around 50-year-old kuromatsu (Japanese Black Pine) tree grown from seeds.

A kuromatsu (Japanese Black Pine) tree about 15 years old grown from seeds.

Key factors differ depending on tree forms

Such factors as the nebari root spread, tachiagari lower part of the trunk, nagare flow of the trunk, mikihada trunk surface, edajun order of branches lined up, hasho leaf features and kobokukan antiquity are generally important for koboku aged trees. But the importance of those factors slightly differs depending on tree form.

Moyogi trees with curved upright trunks are popular among bonsai lovers. In general, moyogi trees with natural trunk curves in all directions are said to be better. However, the center of a tree crown should ideally be on the vertical line from the base point of the root. The highlight of a moyogi tree with curved trunk is its harmonious beauty amid bold changes.

Important factors for the chokkan upright style of a round trunk are steady happo nebari roots that spread in eight directions and good kokejun trunk that tapers off toward the apex. Branches with symmetrical appearance are preferred. An elegant tree form would be produced depending on the length and positioning of branches.

Trees of the bunjingi literal style enjoy deep-rooted popularity. Generally, it is said to be better to choose one with a slim, but not thick, trunk with an aged mikihada trunk surface and few branches.
（By Shigeo Hano）

translated by Kyodo News

START BONSAI

Various Pots: Select Suitable for Species and Shape

Shitate Pot and Kesho Pot

Yuyakumono and Deimono

Round of Guangdong (left), rectangle of Namako (upper right) and white Kochi (lower right)

Round of Kowatari (antique) Udei

Kyogoku Shiho for shohin bonsai (three of the left) and Shuzan

Variois Tools (2) Future Subject: Succession of Skill of Artisan

Tools to curve trunks and branches (two of the right) and tools for carve (two of the left)

Help Power Technique

Adaptation Real Pleasure

Kuromatsu (Japanese black pine) "Kotobuki" which Nakanishi is adapting by the tools

Nakanishi bent the trunk of Akamatsu (Japanese red pine) at Nakanishi Chinshoen bonsai garden in Takamatsu's Kinashi town.

Various Tools (1) Good Tool for Good Work

Efficiency and Fineness

Scissors for cutting

Scissors to cut or remove wires

Scissors to cut branches

Tools for Trees

Yoichi Nakanishi cut the buds at Nakanishi Chinshoen bonsai garden in Takamatsu's Kinashi town.

Wiring (2) Change of thickness depend on branch

Base to apex

He wires branches checking the position of each branch. (at Ideue Kikkoen bonsai garden in Takamatsu's Kinashi town)

Make cut branch to Jin (perished branch)

Kuromatu (Japanese black pine) before wiring (left) and after wiring (right)

Wiring (1) Important point to shape trees

Attraction of new trees

The work to cut off the unnecessary branches (at Ideue Kikkoen bonsai garden in Takamatsu's Kinashi town)

Using unnecessary branch to make Jin (perished branch)

Require careful prior protection

Ideue protects branches with a band made from fiber of raffia palm.

Tsugiki (graｆt) （2）Take a great deal of time and care to trimming and watering

Need much water

Cover a tree with plastic bag to keep its moisture.

Ship in next fall

Ayada looking the seedling grafted this year in Ryoshoen bonsai garden in Takamatsu's Kokubunji town

Trimming of grafted seedling

Tsugiki（graft）(1) Breeding with same nature of mother trees

Masterful technique of Tsugiki (graft)

Season come earlier by global warming

Mother tree of Kotobuki Yatsufusa named "Senjumaru" in Ryoshoen in Takamatsu's Kokubunji town

Need knowledge

Kotobuki Yatsufusa grafted by "Teitsugi" (left) and "Mikitsugki" (right)

Display （1） Intimateness; Sole bonsai center managed by JA in Japan

About 20 growers exhibit together

Spacious displays in JA Kokubunji Bonsai Center

Effect of baby-boomers and expressway

Many visitors in Bonsai Festival in spring

It is kind for visitors that all trees have the price tags.

Care in Spring （３） Chinese Juniper: Transplant advance the tree in rank

Once in ４ or ５ years

First pull a tree out from a pot and remove the old soil and roots.

Choose upgraded pot

They are showing the important work to make the soil attached to a tree.

Goyomatsu (Japanese white pine) after transplanting

Care in Spring （２） Zoki (trees except Pinacese and Cupressaceae); drastic cutting

Cut the roots and branches into half

Kangumi (Elaeagnus pungens) before transplanting

A tree after cutting the leaves and the roots

Choose a pot provides great pleasure

Kangumi (Elaeagnus pungens) after transplanting

Care in Spring （1）Thinning out the needles promote photosynthesis and prevent disease and pest

Lots of sunlight

Branch before Hasukashi

Branch after Hasukashi

Be carefully for old tree

Hiramatsu works on Hasukashi (thinning out the needles) of Kuromatsu (Japanese black pine) which he adapted in Shunshoen bonsai garden in Takamatsu's Kokubunji town.

Green Festa Kokubunji

Kinashi Bonsai and Garden Plants Festival No. 27

Where to purchase? Go to bonsai gardens, exhibitions

Visiting bonsai gardens

JA Kagawa Prefecture's Kokubunji bonsai center, which has a full range of products, located in Takamatsu's Kokubunji area.

Seize a chance at exhibitions

Bonsai trees are on shelves in order at the Kinashi Bonsai and Garden Plants Festival in Takamatsu's Kinashi area.

Bonsai lovers look for items at the Green Festa Kokubunji in Takamatsu's Kokubunji area.

How to choose a good tree, material

A more than 100-year-old kuromatsu (Japanese Black Pine) tree collected from a mountain.

Selection of trees

An around 50-year-old kuromatsu (Japanese Black Pine) tree grown from seeds.

A kuromatsu (Japanese Black Pine) tree about 15 years old grown from seeds.

Care in Spring　（３） Chinese Juniper: Transplant advance the tree in rank

Where to purchase?　Go to bonsai gardens, exhibitions