In “Bonsai Center Autumn Festival” held in Takamatsu’s Kokubunji town on September 18 and 19, the 41st Kokubunji Bonsai division Kyoshin-kai Competition for bonsai artists was held and decided the gold, silver, bronze and creative prize. Visitors appreciate the beautiful shape and the character of special bonsai trees of artists.

Gold prize given to Hiramatsu

Members of Bonsai division reviewed 22 bonsai trees and decided Hiramatsu’s Goyomatsu (Japanese white pine) as gold prize. They valued the powerful atmosphere of grafted Miyajimagoyo tree on Kuromatsu (Japanese black pine) over 40 years, its perfect shape, and great cares for cultivation.

All judges said, “Although the pot is a little bit small for the tree, it develops over time and fits in a pot. It is the best condition at this moment.”

Hiramatsu said, “I could make the tree to have the distinctive needles of Miyajimagoyo. The judges had gained an appreciation to its trunk pattern by the long-term cultivation in a pot and its delicate branching.”

Silver prize given to Mashima and Yamaji

Two people won the silver prize. The one is Mashima Yoshimi of Mashima Horticulture Garden. His Kuromatsu (Japanese black pine) is wild tree of island in Seto Inland Sea and has been in a pot for 40 years. People can enjoy the dynamic Nebari (condition of roots of a tree visible out of the surface of dirt) from the front and back. The split and old decayed trunk also has own attractiveness.

The other is Yamaji Hiroyoshi of Sanshoen Bonsai Garden. It is estimated that his Ichii (Japanese yew) is over 200 years old. The Shari (decayed trunk), Jin (perished branch) and cavity of the tree has beautiful natural shape. This old tree still has Jusei (a state of its development). So it is expected the tree will get the great flavor before winter.

The bronze prize was given to a Kuromatsu (Japanese black pine) of Mashima Takeru of Mashimaen Bonsai Garden and a Goyomatsu (Japanese white pine) of Okada Yoshikazu of Koshoen Bonsai Garden. The creative prize was given to a Kuromatsu (Japanese black pine) of Kohiga Keiji of Kohiga Horticulture Garden.

Most of these trees will be exhibited at the 23rd Green Festa Kokubunji in Kokubunji town from October 22 through the 24.Visitors will enjoy the great flavors of these trees.

(By Shigeo Hano)