Mitsuo Matsuda, Matsuda Seishoen bonsai garden in Takamatsu’s Kinashi town, won the top award in Bunjin section, the Chairman of Organizing Committee Award, at the 37th Sakufu-ten Bonsai Exhibition in last December. In the past, he won the top award in Satsuki section in the exhibition. In addition, he demonstrated his high level technique in Asia-Pacific Bonsai and Suiseki Convention & Exhibition in Takamatsu and many people admired it.

Pursue Higher Skill

The professional artists compete in the Sakufu bonsai exhibition. Matsuda has shown his bonsai in the exhibition for 8 years in a row to get the higher skill. There is a clear reason for that.

He was born in Kinashi, the largest growing area of pine tree in Japan. People benefited with the area name so far, but things are different now.

When a tree win a prize in the Sakufu bonsai exhibition, it will be introduced in a specialized magazine and its name will be known in Japan. That will be a good chance to welcome many people to Kinashi. In addition, it has also the merit in business for customers in and outside Japan buying his bonsai. If Matsuda becomes famous, his bonsai will have better reputation.

“I keep trying to win a prize in Sakufu bonsai exhibition. Someday, I want to get the Prime Minister Award,” he said with passion.

Look For Business Opportunity

He served as a Japanese representative demonstrator in the ASPAC Takamatsu and showed a Yoseue arrange inspired by the Seto Inland Sea to fanciers from all over the world. He learned a lot from the honored role played with gratitude.

Hiroshi Takeyama, President of Nippon Bonsai Association, attracted the fanciers with his seasoned technique. He finished a high-quality work even in a short time. It explained the importance of experience and skill. Just like the information, it was confirmed the bonsai popularity was growing in foreign countries. For Matsuda who is active in exporting, it was a big benefit for the vision of the future.

“Nothing can be done about the unpopularity of bonsai among young people. However other people understand and need it. I’m sure we still have a chance if we change the idea and the target. That’s why we must inherit the Japanese bonsai,” he says about his determination for the future.

(By Shigeo Hano)