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Back in 2011, I started an air layer on a large cryptomeria. Two years later, I removed the layer and the tree was off to a new start as a bonsai (see “Large cryptomeria air layer part 1” and “Part 2” for details).

Developing refined growth while maintaining sacrifice branches can be a tricky balancing act. If the sacrifice branches are reduced, the future branches become strong. If sacrifice branches grow freely, the future branches can become weak.

My recent trip to Japan included some satsuki sightseeing at Takahashi Engei – a large azalea grower in Kanuma City.

A number of you wrote with questions about the techniques Kazuo Onuma uses to create his mini-bonsai last week. Here are some answers!

After spending two days in the Tokyo area to see the Kokufu exhibit, I took a day trip to Shizuoka to visit Kazuo Onuma.

If you look next to every great tree at the Kokufu bonsai exhibit, you’ll find a small companion plant at its side.

The Kokufu-ten is Japan’s top bonsai exhibit. It’s presented in two halves. One hundred and fifty-one displays are set up for a few days, then another one hundred and fifty-one displays are set up after a day-off to facilitate the change.

This year’s Kokufu exhibition featured a special display of books and posters from early exhibits.

Here are a few images from our tour. I hope you enjoyed the photos and remember, the good photos will appear in future issues of International BONSAI. (hint, subscribe please)

The 2020 7th Japan Suiseki Exhibition is being held on February 14-18, 2020 at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum in Ueno Park, Tokyo, Japan. This is in the same building as the Kokufu Bonsai Exhibition, but on a different floor.