Yoichi Nakanishi, the 5th generation of Nakanishi Chinshoen bonsai garden in Takamatsu’s Kinashi town, showed us the adaptation of large bonsai. The tree is Yamadori Akamatsu which is 120 years old and 82 centimeters in height. In the case of adaptation like this, keep the wire for 2 years and the trunk will curve naturally. Accordingly it raises the perfection of this work.

By Jack

Nakanishi wants to improve the middle of trunk which had the good curve but now is a little bit stupid-looking.

Putting the trunk and branches down to the left, the taste of curve will come back. He thinks the ancient look will stand out more if the tree’s height becomes shorter and the top of the tree is arranged to a roundly shape.

For the very thick trunk like this, wires doesn’t work. So Nakanishi adapts it by Jack and the thick copper wires.

To protect the trunk from breaking, cover it with the string made from a fiber of Raffia. Then wrap it with many kinds of copper wire by Jack to the apex.

Think Side

Old Akamatsu changed beautifully. The tree’s height is 72centimeters, 10 centimeters lower before. The tree leans to the left and the front is changed. So it looks more compact.

Nakanishi puts a holder under the pot. It makes a tree to lean to the left more. He thinks the curve of trunk will have a good taste until next March when it will be transplanted in this angle. The artists bother with the adaptation in the season once in several years. It is very delicate to take care of the old trees like this.

Nakanishi says, “It is a drastic measure to pull a trunk by jack on the brink of breaking. We can expect to a certain extent but it depends on the tree’s power. So it is important to cultivate carefully in winter. The pleasure is like the pottery. I hope it works well.” He keeps to take care of the tree.

(By Shigeo Hano)