Kaori Yamada is a young bonsai artist whose family lineage has 4 generations of bonsai masters. She is well known as a bonsai artist, but is also a presenter on TV, and a teacher.   What makes Kaori so interesting is that she previously hated bonsais!

I hated bonsai, hated the business, wanted nothing to do with the whole bonsai world

Therefore she decided to go to university to study economics and marketing instead of following in her father’s footsteps. However, after a trip to France, and visiting some beautiful gardens she decided that maybe she could still do something in the bonsai world, in a non-traditional way.

After doing a market research project on her father’s bonsai business she saw an opportunity that could suit her.

I decided to see if I could develop the market, and start a bonsai school. I would respect tradition, but find my own space, develop my own way.

Yamada’s bonsai school has been a great success and has brought many women into the male dominated bonsai world. She has brought a feminine point of view and a softer side to the art form.  Her school has taught many women the technical and creative sides of bonsai care and bonsai gardening.  Thanks to Yamada there is a new generation of female bonsai artists.

Yamada has many old bonsais, passed down through the generations, in her garden. She says:

They’re like my ’sempai’ (elders). They talk to me, tell me how to live. Their “ki,” their life force, affects me, I can feel it.

I too hope that one day my 3 year old bonsai can pass on some wisdom too!

Here is an interview with Kaori Yamada, Lindsay Farr travels to Xu Xiaobai, Omiya, Kaori Yamada Bonsai festival.

Posted under Bonsai Artist, Bonsai Culture