From a historical perspective, I have explained in another blog that the primary purpose of bonsai is appreciation. Now, I would like to explore how to appreciate bonsai—how to observe and engage with it—while also considering aspects of history and Japanese religious thought.

When appreciating bonsai, the first thing to understand is the basic posture: “from where, and how should we look at it?” Each bonsai has a designated "front"—the most aesthetically pleasing angle. Viewers are meant to sit facing this front and quietly observe the tree’s form. At that moment, it is important not just to look at it straight on, but also to shift your gaze slightly upward, as if viewing the tree from below. This perspective is not merely for better visibility; rather, it is a deliberate way to feel more deeply the bonsai’s role as a "miniature of the natural world."

When you gaze up at a single tree planted in a pot, it feels as though you're standing beneath a grand old tree deep in the mountains. Even though it may only be a few dozen centimeters tall, its branch structure, the twisting of the trunk, and the spread of its roots evoke an overwhelming sense of presence and vitality. By looking up at it, we experience a profound realization: “I am but a small part of nature.” At the same time, we feel embraced and protected by the natural rhythms that the bonsai embodies.

This sensation is closely linked to Zen philosophy. Bonsai is not merely a decorative object—it is a medium for engaging with nature, and for creating a quiet, mindful space. Even scars on the trunk or dead branches are accepted as they are, respecting the tree's natural form. This attitude reflects Zen's teachings on impermanence and egolessness. When sitting in front of a bonsai, we do not judge or describe it with words. Instead, we entrust ourselves to the presence of the tree, allowing our minds to empty. This, in essence, is the true way to appreciate bonsai.

The beauty of bonsai also expresses the aesthetic of wabi-sabi. Wabi refers to a quiet, humble beauty found in simplicity and modesty. Sabi suggests the deep, resonant charm that comes with age and weathering—a tranquil, dignified strength. The wrinkles in the bark, the moss-covered base, the irregular shape of the branches—all of these “imperfections” contribute to the unique flavor of bonsai. This is a distinctively Japanese concept of temporal beauty, one that cannot be found in flawless form.

Furthermore, by looking beyond the front—toward the back of the tree and into the depths of its branches—we gain a sense of its three-dimensionality and spatial depth. The lush foliage reminds us that the tree is alive through photosynthesis. In seeing the entire tree as a living organism, not just focusing on the front, we cultivate a deeper respect for nature and a greater empathy toward life itself.

In other words, the appreciation of bonsai begins from its designated front, but by viewing it slightly from below, we can feel the grandeur of nature encapsulated within. At the same time, through the stillness of Zen and the emotional nuance of wabi-sabi, we gain a moment to face ourselves. Bonsai appreciation is not merely an act of “looking,” but a deeply enriching experience that invites us to quiet the heart, harmonize with nature, and even reflect on our way of life.

And did you know—you can experience this same feeling even without using a living bonsai? Our artisan-crafted A-BONSAI, which expresses the essence of nature through traditional craftsmanship, can be appreciated in exactly the same way. We encourage you to try it for yourself.