Kokufu 2014 – Time to Get Busy

I don’t think you need me to point out that this is a great tree. Or, for that matter that it’s a great photograph (web photos this sharp aren’t all that common). It’s a Japanese black pine from Announcing the 2014 88th Kokufu ten Bonsa Exhibition on Bill Valavanis’ excellent new blog. If you haven’t already made plans to visit Kokufu ten 2014, it’s time to get busy. It will be held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Gallery, February 4th – 12th. Just in case you are new to the wonderful world of bonsai, Kokufu is the most renowned bonsai … Continue reading Kokufu 2014 – Time to Get Busy

Bjorn’s Biggest Loser

After. This masterpiece Itoigawa Shimpaku was recently restyled by Bjorn Bjorholm at Keiichi Fujikawa’s Kouka-en Bonsai Nursery in Ikeda City, Japan, where Bjorn is currently an apprentice. The photo is from a post on Bjorn’s Bjorvala Bonsai Studio blog, as are all the photos in this post. The Biggest Loser In Bjorn’s own words… “This massive Itoigawa Shimpaku has a long history as a bonsai. It was first shown in the Kokufu-ten about 35 years ago, back in the days before the boom in major refinement techniques and quality occurred. Since then, it was purchased by several different owners and … Continue reading Bjorn’s Biggest Loser

American Kokufu (Old News but Good News)

Doug Paul’s Japanese hemlock (Tsuga diversifolia) was displayed at the 2010 Kokufu ten Exhibition in Japan. Kokufu is widely considered the preeminent bonsai exhibition in the world, and just being excepted to display a bonsai in Kokufu is considered a great honor. Borrowed from Bill The photos and most of the text in this post are borrowed from Bill Valavanis. In Bill’s words (from the Internet Bonsai Club): “The 84th Kokufu Bonsai Ten Exhibition opens tomorrow (February, 2010) in Japan and history is being made. I believe for the first time an American has a bonsai on display. “Doug Paul’s Japanese hemlock (Tsuga diversifolia) bonsai … Continue reading American Kokufu (Old News but Good News)

It’s Not Too Late!

Our very own Kokufu All you last minute procrastinators are in luck. You can still sign up for the 2nd US National Bonsai Exhibition and enjoy the best of the of US bonsai and be part of the early stages of our very own Kokufu. Really, you’ll be thanking me for reminding you for a long time. The 2008 Album is still available. When it’s gone (and you’ve collected the next ten albums) you’ll kick yourself for waiting.

Kokufu Bonsai-Ten: Still the Best

Kokufu Prize, 2010: Informal upright style Japanese black pine (Pinus thunbergi). Borrowed from Phoenix Bonsai. Delusional state? To be sure, people from around the world are growing and displaying some wonderful, eye-popping bonsai. Still, from where I sit, and in spite of rumors to the contrary, it’s hats off to the Japanese when it comes to world class bonsai. If you don’t believe me, check out any Kokufu exhibit. If you still don’t believe me, then there’s nothing I can do for you. You’ll simply have to suffer in your delusional state. Or maybe visit your opthamologist (disclaimer: there’s nothing … Continue reading Kokufu Bonsai-Ten: Still the Best

A Great Tree & A Very Interesting Conversation

Juniper by Isao Omachi that just appeared on our facebook page. Though you can tell it’s a juniper, no specifics were given except that four of Mr. Omachi’s trees have been accepted in Kokufu-ten (universally recognized as the premier bonsai exhibition in the world). In Isao Omachi’s san’s own words “On January 25th 2010(Kokufu-ten judgement day) I am pleased to inform everyone that my 4 entry’s were accepted into this years 84 show! So I invite anyone who is willing to come see them! Starting on February 9th-17th hope to see you there!” And, in the words of others… The … Continue reading A Great Tree & A Very Interesting Conversation