Bonsai gained popularity among the aristocracy during the Muromachi period (14th–16th century), alongside the spread of Zen culture. However, it was in the early Edo period (early 17th century)—particularly during the reign of the third shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu—that the bonsai culture as we know it today truly took shape. Unlike his predecessors Tokugawa Ieyasu and Hidetada, Iemitsu lacked experience as a Sengoku warlord and was more of a cultured figure, which likely contributed to this cultural development.

During this time, bonsai evolved from simple plant cultivation into an "art of appreciation"—a way to enjoy the form and dignity of miniature trees. It became a beloved pastime among the daimyo (feudal lords) and samurai class, with bonsai displayed in the gardens and residences of various feudal domains. This cultural shift was likely encouraged by the peaceful era that followed the turbulent Warring States period, in which samurai were urged to engage in refined and artistic pursuits.

Tokugawa Iemitsu implemented various policies to suppress the military power of the daimyo—many of whom still bore the legacy of the Sengoku era—in order to secure his own authority. The encouragement of bonsai appreciation is thought to have played a strategic role in these efforts. Iemitsu was known for his deep suspicion and constant fear of rebellion. As part of his reforms, he replaced the traditional samurai sitting posture with the formal "seiza" position we know today, to prevent daimyo from swiftly drawing their swords during official gatherings. He also enforced the sankin-kōtai (alternate attendance) system to weaken the economic power of the daimyo by requiring them to travel regularly to Edo and maintain costly secondary residences.

Within these policies, promoting bonsai was a vital tool to redirect the mental focus of the samurai. The calming presence of plants had a therapeutic effect, making bonsai well-suited to quell thoughts of combat or insurrection. As daimyo grew fond of bonsai, they were able to find inner calm and cultivate a more peaceful mindset.

Through the appreciation of bonsai, people could also come to understand the beauty of nature and nurture a sense of tranquility—contributing to the ongoing peace of the Tokugawa regime. By shifting their interests from warfare to the arts, the ruling samurai class gradually fostered a more refined and serene cultural atmosphere, which in turn supported the stability of the shogunate.

Bonsai were also regarded as prestigious gifts. Rare forms and species of bonsai played important roles in exchanges between powerful figures and served to strengthen bonds among feudal lords. As bonsai culture flourished during the Edo period, the role of the okakae bonsai shokunin—dedicated bonsai artisans employed by daimyo and high-ranking samurai—emerged. These craftsmen tended to the bonsai and honed their techniques to perfection.

In the Edo period, when bonsai culture reached its peak, the primary purpose of bonsai was appreciation. While modern bonsai culture often centers on the act of nurturing the tree, in the Edo period, the focus was on admiring the aesthetic qualities, with maintenance left to professional artisans. Bonsai, like the tea ceremony and calligraphy, came to be considered a part of refined cultural education. Appreciating the appearance and dignified form of bonsai was seen as an art, and they became an essential cultural element among the samurai class. Again, this development was deeply influenced by the peaceful age that followed centuries of warfare, in which samurai were encouraged to cultivate cultural sophistication.

In summary, bonsai in the Edo period were not merely plants—they served as objects of appreciation for the daimyo and samurai. The bonsai culture of the time placed emphasis not on "growing" but on "admiring," with the beauty maintained through the skilled techniques of artisans.

Even today, bonsai continue to be cherished by people around the world. However, the way they are enjoyed has shifted: now, the joy often lies in the process of growing and nurturing the tree. Nevertheless, the essence of bonsai remains unchanged—the act of appreciating its beauty and facing it with mindfulness.

If the true essence of bonsai lies in "admiration" and "appreciation", what are modern people—who cannot afford personal bonsai artisans—supposed to do?

One possible answer may be the rise of artisanal bonsai created by craftsmen who understand this core essence. These man-made bonsai maintain their beautiful appearance without the need for upkeep. They offer a modern way to experience the same deep appreciation that bonsai have inspired for centuries.