Ishii

It was almost a year ago that I was preparing to visit Japan for what turned out to be my best vacation to date – a bonsai adventure that lasted almost two months. I shot far more photos on this trip than I was able to share last year so I will now return to the task for the next few weeks in an effort to portray some of the bonsai highlights from Central Japan.

Within a few days of arriving, with Boon Manakitivipart, to Shimpukuji Temple, my home for the first week of the trip, Akio Kondo picked us up for a tour of some bonsai nurseries. One of our first stops was Mr. Ishii’s nursery. Ishii is a prominent bonsai professional in Central Japan – I saw him at just about every exhibit and auction I attended during my stay and he was always buying and selling. His collection included a fun assortment of trees and a great selection of black pines.

Black pines

Smaller pines

An awesome black pine

From the other side

Black pine

Red and white pines too filled the garden – all were healthy and interesting.

Red pine

Exposed root white pine

Red pine

Root over rock black pine

I always appreciate seeing trees in training. The pine below has great movement and taper – a really fun project.

Black pine

Red pine

White pine

A number of juniper projects were to be found, each with interesting deadwood.

Shimpaku

Juniper deadwood

Shimpaku