Japanese bonsai is recognized worldwide and exported globally for its high level of craftsmanship. Among Japanese bonsai, however, there are various production areas in Japan and a wide range of artisans who possess techniques that have been handed down in the region. Akaishi-Goyomatsu, the highest-quality and most valuable bonsai in Japan, has won awards at many fairs.
From Japanese creators to you if you reside overseas
There are several bonsai production areas in Japan. Shikokuchuo inEhime Prefecture is one of the production areas of pine bonsai. This area has been attracting attention in recent years as it was placed 7th on the “52 Places to Go in 2019” article, published by The Guardian and The New York Times. The branded bonsai Akaishi-Goyomatsu is growing natively in this area since ancient times.
Is the Japanese bonsai authentic?
Is Japanese bonsai, which is exported globally, truly authentic? Exporting bonsai is a very difficult task as the bonsai needs to clear strict quarantine and conditions. Therefore, before a Japanese bonsai gets lined up on a store shelf in your country, fakes may be distributed, so there is no guarantee that the Japanese bonsai sold in shops are authentic.
Japanese creators are concerned about fake bonsai on the market that may deceive buyers looking for the authentic item. Therefore, in order to bring authentic Japanese bonsai to the world, the Akaishi Goyomatsu Trade Association decided to form a Japanese bonsai export association. You can get a bonsai of reliable quality because it is sold directly by Japanese creators. (Please note that currently, the association is only exporting bonsai to the EU).
The overwhelmingly popular tree species in Japan: Japanese white pine
Japanese bonsai can be broadly classified as coming from two areas: the southern area (southern Japanese white pine) and the northern area (northern Japanese white pine). Its natural habitats in the southern area are mainly found in the Shikoku and Chugoku regions, and the northern area in the Tohoku region. On top of the southern and northern lineages, the leaf characteristics, skin characteristics, and so forth differ depending on the natural habitat.
The greatest treasure of Japanese bonsai: the characteristics of the Akaishi-Goyomatsu
There are many kinds of Japanese white pine in Japan, but the Akaishi-Goyomatsu is so highly valued that it is called the “Queen of Bonsai.” Its graceful form that embodies softness and feminine suppleness is the very presence of a queen.
Our thoughts
We want to deliver Japanese scenery to everyone and pass on our scenery to the future. As bonsai artisans, we want to continue protecting what is important so that the Japanese scenery will not be lost. That is the mission of bonsai and our mission.
Japan’s top bonsai artisans
Artisans have different characteristics. Some demonstrate their skills all over the world, some focus on teaching bonsai techniques, some win top prizes in national bonsai competitions, and others research the development of new species and new production techniques. Some artisans are traditional and continue to create deep bonsai, some are more artistic, and some try to create evolving bonsai by implementing new aspects.
Please check here for details. https://himekomatsu.pine-bonsai.com/en/
Source: Akaishi Goyomatsu Trade Association
© Japan Today
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