The 20th Green Festa Kokubunji bonsai fair was held at the Tachibana-no-oka sports park in Takamatsu’s Kokubunji town from Oct. 26 to 28. Under the slogan ”Together with bonsai lovers” masterpieces owned by amateur growers were put on display at the annual fair. Among them, three pieces that won top prizes this time are introduced here. Kiyoshi Hiramatsu, who chaired the fair’s organizing committee, gave his comments on them.

Winner of education minister’s prize

This kuromatsu (Japanese black pine) tree is relatively young. Its ”nebari” root spread is good and it stands up dynamically. Its trunk form clears the conditions for a good bonsai tree — the tree has a thick root and tapers off toward the top. The No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3 branches come out superbly. It is a promising kuromatsu tree.

It is well-potted, and attention has been paid even to minute details. The more the cultivator gives it care, the better it will be. As it is well qualified to be a bonsai tree, it should grow into a wonderful ”moyogi” tree with pronounced bends and curves.

Winner of environment minister’s prize

This kuromatsu tree shows a natural style with its twisted root and trunk curves that are peculiar to trees picked from the wild. There are minute patterns on the No. 1 branch. In addition, the trunk curves toward the top are excellent. Trees picked from the wild grow very slowly. So I think this tree must have grown wild for a long time and has been cultivated in a container for at least 35 years.

It is interesting that this tree is an aged one but its leaves look fresh. An elegant ”nakaobi” pot brings out the graceful figure of the tree. It is well-balanced as a whole as the ”seki kazari” supporting plants and ground cover are properly arranged.

Winner of farm ministry agricultural production bureau head’s prize

”Shohin” small bonsai pieces are trendy because of their size. A piece about 15 centimeters (5.9inches) high is said to be an ideal ”shohin” bonsai. Many products by Mitsuyuki Yamamoto are smaller than that. Of course, a piece that is smaller is much more difficult to cultivate.

The producer has maintained harmony by placing a dynamic, steady kuromatsu tree at the top and a shimpaku (Chinese juniper) tree of the varied semi-cascade style in front. The grower portrays the deepening autumn by placing leafy items in the upper stage and nutty ones in the lower stage. It is also notable that the pots and ornaments used are well suited for the trees.

(By Shigeo Hano)

translated by Kyodo News