This audio is generated by AI, so pronunciation and expressions may not be fully accurate. The narration is only in English.
Originating in China as pun-sai in around 700 A.D., bonsai was introduced in Japan during the 12th-14th centuries and gradually became popularized nationwide, including here in the capital.
At the Tokyo Metropolitan Engei (Horticultural) High School, members of the bonsai club keep this precious historical art alive and thriving.
In terms of their reason for joining the club, Tanaka Rinna says her interest was piqued during a mini-bonsai workshop. Meanwhile, Yoshioka Riko says she viewed bonsai as a rare and unique club opportunity, while Yoshida Yuichi cites his strong love of nature.
Thrice weekly after school, club members learn essential bonsai care techniques such as watering, fertilizing, pruning and potting.
Citing minimal experience with bonsai prior to joining the club, the students said that the practice involved a steep learning curve.
"The first time I worked with bonsai, it really made an impression on me to feel the life force of the tree," recalls Yoshioka. "I also realized how difficult it actually was to care for a bonsai tree, such as pruning it in a way that does not make the branches look haphazard."
"The tree was more sensitive than I expected it to be, including the direction of the branches, shaping of the leaves, and timing of the pruning," agrees Yoshida. "If you cut the tree in the wrong place, you risk damaging it beyond repair."
"You also have to take care not to overwater your tree or leave it out in the sun," Tanaka adds.
Despite bonsai's daunting nature, however, the students have persevered—therein discovering that pushing past the intimidation has yielded immense rewards.
"I previously believed that only master craftspersons could care for bonsai, but I now realize that I too can do it—and that it's really fun," comments Yoshioka. "Each individual bonsai has its own personality, so to cut it in the direction you think will allow it to grow best, you really have to get to know your tree."
The students cited their experience as bonsai instructors at a local park workshop as playing a crucial role in building their confidence to practice the craft.
Yoshioka notes that when she saw workshop participants expressing interest toward bonsai cultivation, it inspired her own continuing enthusiasm toward the art.
"Since not many people are interested in bonsai, these workshops help us encourage others to try it," Tanaka adds. "Some trees that we care for are over 50 years old, and since they can live up to 1,000 years, I feel a sense of great responsibility to keep this historical practice going."
"It is up to us to make sure this history reaches future generations," agrees Yoshida. "Before starting to work with bonsai, I actually thought it was a hobby only for elderly persons. But now, I understand that it's for people of any age."
The Tokyo Metropolitan Engei High School, founded in 1908, houses two five-needle pine trees—the type favored by former shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu. Said to pre-date the Edo period (1603-1868), with both trees being around 500 years old, the Nippon Bonsai Association designated them as valuable properties in 1999.
According to the bonsai club students, the artistic practice also has an important role to play in encouraging international connections.
"I would love for people overseas to experience the type of bonsai workshops we have organized in Tokyo," notes Yoshida. His plans after high school include traveling to Norway for cycling and fishing, as well as backpacking around places such as India, the United States and Europe—where he also hopes to teach people the bonsai art.
Meanwhile, Tanaka notes that she "hopes to use social media to introduce bonsai to overseas audiences through evocative photos and videos."
"There are so many bonsai out there, so I would like to encourage people to go out and find one that suits them," adds Yoshioka, who says she hopes to see entities such as companies and art museums spearhead bonsai-themed events to help spread interest in the art, both domestically and internationally.
And while he agrees that social media can be an important way to encourage interest in bonsai to flourish, Yoshida notes that working with the plants can also help inspire a more natural approach to life. "I now find myself encouraging my friends to put down their phones, and instead reach for a bonsai to take care of," he comments. "Amidst today's digitalized society, I hope that people can find balance in their lives by learning the slow art of bonsai care."
Operating on the concept that envisions green urban development for the next 100 years, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government is pushing initiatives to protect, cultivate, and utilize Tokyo's greenery.Through the efforts of both individual citizens and various entities, the aim is to transform Tokyo into a sustainable city that exists in harmony with nature.
TOKYO GREEN BIZ - Green Urban Development -TMG
