Age: about 230 yrs Height: Height: 72 cm
Tosho(Needle juniper)

Tosho, an evergreen tree of the cypress family, is also called “nezu” or “nezumisashi.” There are a variety of tosho species, such as “moroda” and “modora,” in parts of Kagawa Prefecture. They differ in “hasho” leaf features but belong to the same family.

The tree’s leaves are hard and sharp like needles. Tosho develops complex “mikimoyo” trunk patterns as it grows. Much of the trunk exhibits the deadwood feature known as “shari,” in which the trunk has no bark. The tree is distinguished by the tiny remaining portion of the trunk that is still alive, with its wild appearance stemming from interwoven “jin” branches that all look like they have been stripped of their bark.

Tosho trees are seen in various parts of Japan. In cold areas, snows and strong winds help Tosho trees take exquisite forms. In this bonsai tree, believed to be a product of the Higashi-Mino area in Gifu Prefecture, central Japan, importance is attached to its natural form, which exudes the dignity of a mighty tree.

It was put on display at the 75th Kokufu Bonsai Exhibition, where it was highly praised for surviving over two centuries in a relatively small vessel.

translated by Kyodo News