In Japanese tradition, withering was seen as impurity. Since the Heian period (8th century onward), people offered handmade flowers filled with spi...
Read moreSince ancient times, the Japanese have believed that pine trees possess the power to ward off evil spirits.In a previous post, I shared that becaus...
Read moreJapan is renowned for its culture of omotenashi—hospitality from the heart. Standing at the very pinnacle of this tradition is bonsai. These miniat...
Read moreIn Japanese traditional culture, bonsai is far more than a form of horticulture. It is an art that mirrors nature, and more profoundly, a silent ph...
Read moreI am Kajihara, leading the planning, development, and sales of the craft bonsai brand "A-BONSAI."It is said that my family, the Kajihara clan, desc...
Read moreWhat kind of image comes to mind when you hear the word bonsai?For many, it’s likely a small pot sitting quietly in a serene space, containing a ri...
Read moreIn the early Edo period, when bonsai culture was first established, bonsai was primarily appreciated by the upper classes—such as court nobles and ...
Read moreFrom a historical perspective, I have explained in another blog that the primary purpose of bonsai is appreciation. Now, I would like to explore ho...
Read moreIn modern times, many people tend to find greater value in living plants when it comes to bonsai and floral decorations, while regarding artificial...
Read moreBonsai gained popularity among the aristocracy during the Muromachi period (14th–16th century), alongside the spread of Zen culture. However, it wa...
Read moreTaking care of and cultivating black pine bonsai throughout the year is no small task. Let me outline the process by season:January–February: In th...
Read moreDuring the Heian period, the Chinese art of penjing made its way to Japan, evolving into bonsan (later bonsai) by the Muromachi period. This transf...
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