Mr. Daizo Iwasaki, the Honorary President of World Bonsai Friendship Federation, died on May 15th at 96 years old. He was owner of Takasago-an Bonsai Garden in Niihama city, which has 200,000 bonsai in 6.6 hectares, and many bonsai growers in Kagawa respected his warmth like father.

Feeling of Mrs. Iwasaki

On May 24th, many members of ASPAC Takamatsu Conference Organizing Committee including Chairman Yukihiko Konishi, Vice-Chairman Kandaka Keiji and Yamaji Hiroyoshi, and people concerned in ASPAC Takamatsu visited Takasago-an Bonsai Garden.

Mr. Iwasaki was the Honorary Chairman of ASPAC Takamatsu and promised to support a special tour to Takasago-an Bonsai Garden on the last day of it. He had many friends in the world and the committee thinks his bonsai friends will come to enjoy the tour from all over the world.

Mrs. Iwasaki, the Vice-Chairwoman of WBFF, says “My husband was looking forward to seeing the ASPAC Takamatsu. I know he feels regret for it. All I can do for him is to keep his wishes.” in mournful voice.

Committee hope to arrange tour to Takasago-an

Mr. Iwasaki had been to Brazil and Puerto Rico for WBFF event in the last summer and attended the ASPAC Takamatsu General Meeting on March 24th. People thought he was fine so the sad news was a great shock to all.

Especially for ASPAC Takamatsu, Mr. Iwasaki was the most important person and members in the committee worried to hold ASPAC without him. When they heard the feeling of Mrs. Iwasaki, they felt relieved.

Chairman Mr. Konishi said, “The tour to Takasago-san will be the featured program in ASPAC Takamatsu. It must be success with the cherished desire of the late Mr. Iwasaki. With the strong support of Mrs. Iwasaki, we feel confident to hold the event. Mr. Iwasaki contributed the bonsai world, so we would like to show our appreciation in ASPAC.”

(By Shigeo Hano)