The 11th Asia-Pacific Bonsai and Suiseki Convention & Exhibition was held from November 18 to 21 in Takamatsu. Over 76,000 people came to enjoy bonsai, which was a two-and-half time more than the committee had anticipated. It was one of the largest bonsai and suiseki convention in the world. The first ASPAC in Japan was a good place for bonsai and suiseki fanciers in the world to get a warm impression and exchange friendship.

Takasago-an tour on last day

The main program on November 21 was special tour to Takasago-an bonsai garden in Niihama city in Ehime. The owner was the late Mr. Daizo Iwasaki. About 400 participants of ASPAC from all over the world joined this special tour.

The late Mr. Iwasaki strongly supported ASPAC Takamatsu to be success. Many people liked him and mourn his death.

Mr. Hu Yun Hua, Chairman of World Bonsai Friendship Federation and the next host of ASPAC, says “I took a picture with Mr. Iwasaki in Tokyo 2 years ago. I’m sad I can’t meet him today.”

Mrs. Jane Yamashiroya from Hawaii has been to Japan 20 times and also visited this garden several times. “Every time I visit here, I can appreciate something new. Mr. Iwasaki liked Hawaii and my husband went fishing for swordfish with him,” she said.

Mr. Shigeo Isobe, a bonsai demonstrator of ASPAC, said, “Mr. Iwasaki kindly exhibited my work. I know all participants of this tour miss the owner.”

Next ASPAC in China

The ASPAC meeting was held on the third day. In the meeting, all agreed that Jintan city in Jiangsu province in China will be the next host. The representatives also decided the ASPAC logo.

Jintan city, nearby Nanjing city, is a city with a population of 550,000. It is located the center of Yangtze delta. Blessed with the 2,000-year-old history and rich nature, the city is well known as “The best tourist city” and “The Green Garden City of China”.

(By Shigeo Hano)