Step Into the World of Traditional Japanese Culture and Art! How to Enjoy Bonsai

The origin of bonsai is said to be “penjing” and “penshan,” which were born Approx. 1,200 to 1,300 years ago during the Tang dynasty (618–907 / present-day China).
One reason for this is that the mural in the Tomb of Prince Zhanghuai, Li Xian, includes a record of attendants offering “penjing.”
During the economically prosperous Tang dynasty, the arts also flourished, and people seem to have enjoyed “penjing” and “penshan,” miniature recreations of natural scenery in small pots.
It was introduced to Japan during the Heian period (794–1185), and after first spreading among the imperial court and nobility, it gradually developed while taking on artistic and ceremonial roles.

In the Kamakura period (1185–1333), bonsai spread among the warrior class as well, influenced by Zen Buddhism and the rise of the samurai.
“Penjing” also appears in picture scrolls from the time, such as Saigyo Monogatari Emaki and Kasuga Gongen Genki-e.
From the Muromachi period (1336–1573) to the early Edo period (1603–1868), it could only be seen in the gardens of shoguns and feudal lords, but from the late Edo period onward it spread among common people and became a familiar presence.
As techniques and aesthetic value developed and many bonsai lovers emerged, exhibitions and markets were also held, establishing the culture that connects directly to bonsai today.

From the Meiji era (1868–1912) onward, when modernization advanced rapidly, bonsai developed even further.
As its international reputation grew as a traditional Japanese culture, it began to be exhibited at overseas expos and exhibitions.
In particular, Expo ’70 Osaka brought worldwide attention to bonsai and raised its recognition.
Today, with the word “bonsai” understood internationally, it is loved not only in Japan but also in countries such as the United States and across Europe.
The appeal of expressing natural beauty within a small pot transcends nationality, and many international visitors are also interested in enjoying Japanese culture through bonsai.

Bonsai has had a major influence on Japanese culture, going far beyond the scope of simple plant cultivation or decoration.
Its spirit is reflected in many fields, including the Japanese sense of beauty and values.
Examples include a view of nature that values living in harmony with it and cherishing the four seasons, as well as wabi-sabi, the appreciation of change over time and quietness.
The artistry of bonsai has also contributed not only to garden design and architecture but to the development of other traditional arts such as the tea ceremony and ikebana.
While preserving its history and spirituality, bonsai will likely continue to bring healing into our daily lives.

Trees are broadly divided into four types: “shohaku” (evergreens), “hamono” (foliage trees), “hanamono” (flowering trees), and “mimono” (fruit-bearing trees).
Each has its own appeal, and understanding these differences will deepen the way you enjoy bonsai, whether appreciating it or growing it.
We will introduce the characteristics of each type, so try finding the kind of tree that suits your taste.

Not only tree species but also tree shape brings a wide range of characteristics and appeal.
Understanding these differences will make it easier to find a bonsai that matches your taste.
Even within the same species, recognizing differences in shape and expression will make both appreciation and cultivation more enjoyable.
Here, we introduce six basic tree-shape types.

Bonsai is also classified by size, mainly into three categories: “daihin” bonsai, “chuhin” bonsai, and “shohin” bonsai.
The approximate sizes are shown in the table below, and anything smaller than “shohin bonsai” is called “mini bonsai,” while even smaller ones may be called “petit bonsai” or “mame bonsai.”
However, there is no clear-cut definition, so keep in mind that interpretations may differ depending on tree shape and volume.
In general, larger bonsai is more expensive and harder to care for, while smaller bonsai is cheaper and easier to handle.
For that reason, beginners are recommended to start with “mini bonsai” or smaller.

“Nebari” refers to the visible base of the tree that appears above the soil surface.
It is an extremely important element that affects a bonsai’s beauty, dignity, and growth, and it is the first place you should look when appreciating one.
When the “nebari” is beautiful, it supports the stability and health of the entire tree and creates a well-balanced appearance.
Ideally, the roots should spread evenly throughout the pot, and the most desirable state is “happo-nebari,” in which the roots extend in all directions.
Other points to check are thickness (roots closer to the trunk should be thick), health (whether there is blackening, for example), and placement and exposure (whether the roots are naturally and appropriately visible).

“The rise of the trunk” refers to the part of the trunk from the base to the first branch, where it is most clearly visible.
It is an important element that enhances the beauty of bonsai, expressing the individuality of the tree and its history of growth.
Ideally, it should rise firmly, either in a straight and powerful line or in a natural curve.
When the base of the trunk is thick and stable, the overall balance tends to look better and more visually pleasing.
Other checkpoints include the texture and pattern of the surface (whether there are cracks and whether you like them) and whether the height is appropriate.

“Branch structure” refers to the overall spread of the branches, including the branches extending from the trunk, their placement, and the spaces between them.
It is one of the key aspects of care for shaping bonsai, playing the role of controlling the tree’s growth and creating a beautiful tree form.
The most ideal and valuable state is one in which the major branches are arranged in good balance and there are no “imi-eda” (unnecessary branches).
In winter, after the leaves have fallen, the finely divided branch tips also become a highlight.

Along with the trunk, leaves are a major element that greatly affects the impression of a bonsai.
Shape, color, size, growth pattern, and density all matter, and the ideal leaves are those that enhance the tree shape and create harmony.
Leaf color also reflects the tree’s health: vivid green is a sign of vigor, while yellowing or wilting may indicate disease or lack of water.
Because a leaf’s original qualities are difficult to improve, you should take great care when choosing a tree.
Even within the same species, leaves show seasonal changes and individual character, which also adds to the pleasure of growing bonsai.

“Jin and shari” refer to parts of branches (jin) or the trunk (shari) that have died and become bleached like bone.
They are important elements that express natural weathering and the passage of time, and by leaving them as they are, they bring the atmosphere of an old tree.
While maintaining harmony with the other parts, they give the bonsai a sense of history and weight and help bring out the tree’s individuality.
When properly managed, they do not look artificial and allow a more natural landscape to be felt.
They are often seen in evergreen species, where the contrast with green foliage is a major highlight.

A bonsai has a “front,” the side where it looks most beautiful, and a “back,” the opposite side.
The front is characterized by a balanced arrangement of leaves and branches, root spread, and the rise of the trunk, designed to highlight the tree’s strength.
The back is shaped with subtle adjustments such as creating depth and space, and when the front and back each fulfill their role properly, the tree takes on a harmonious form.
Today, however, the distinction between front and back has become less clear, and many bonsai do not show an obvious difference.
Still, excellent bonsai can be appreciated from any angle for their natural and beautiful form, so try viewing them from different perspectives.

The world’s first public bonsai art museum, displaying masterworks and fine examples of bonsai.
It systematically collects and exhibits bonsai pots, viewing stones commonly called suiseki, paintings such as ukiyo-e depicting bonsai, and various historical and folk materials related to bonsai.
Next to the museum is Omiya Bonsai Village (Bonsai-cho, Kita-ku, Saitama City), known as a sacred place for outstanding bonsai, attracting many enthusiasts from Japan and around the world.

One of Japan’s leading bonsai villages, it will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2025.
Even its address, Bonsai-cho, Kita-ku, Saitama City, includes the word bonsai, and it is a sacred place for bonsai that attracts many enthusiasts not only from Japan but from around the world.
Today, there are six bonsai nurseries, each displaying distinctive and carefully crafted bonsai shaped by the owner’s skill and aesthetic sense.
For example, Kyukaen features bonsai that draw out the plant’s natural form, while Seikoen is known for bonsai that carry on traditional techniques.
Some nurseries also offer bonsai classes along with sales, so visit each one and experience their appeal for yourself.
Adjacent to the bonsai village, the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum, Saitama (Toro-cho, Kita-ku, Saitama City), is known as the world’s first public bonsai museum and systematically organizes materials related to bonsai.

A bonsai museum opened by bonsai artist Kunio Kobayashi, who works to promote and pass on bonsai culture in Japan and abroad.
Located in a quiet residential neighborhood, 18 minutes by bus from the nearest station, Koiwa Station, it lets visitors experience the appeal of bonsai in an atmosphere like a hidden retreat.
The bonsai collection is arranged within a Japanese garden and sukiya-style architecture, and numbers more than 1,000 pots. Among them are valuable works over 1,000 years old, making it especially impressive.