Masahiko Kimura is a world renowned bonsaist and expert on all things bonsai.  Mr. Kimura’s bonsai education began at the age of 15 because it is what his mother wanted.  Masahiko became an apprentice in Omiya Bonsai Village and trained there for 11 years under his master Hamano Sensei.  Masahiko became an expert in bonsai care and bonsai artistry and now travels the world as a sort of bonsai celebrity.

As the art of Bonsai gardening has spread around the world, Masahiko has noticed that the variety of bonsais has decreased and that in some countries there are not enough trained people to look after special bonsais.

However, Masahiko believes that the art of bonsai should be unique to each country and culture.

Every country should see bonsai differently, since bonsai is something that can be easily linked to one’s own culture. So, I would like to see each country develop its own style and people express their own feelings about nature. It would be exciting to me if I saw something new to look at.

With this also comes the importance of education. Bonsais are a great gift to pass down across generations, but there must be apprentices that will know how to care for them.

So what advice does Mr. Kimura (aka The Magician) have for those of us still developing our bonsai care skills?

You must have the original desire to improve yourself. If the desire is not there, I can say whatever I want, it won’t make a difference. The desire has to come from within. If you really want to improve, you need to become very serious about practising it. Action should take precedence before talking. Doing it, is what will make it happen.

Smart man. That seems like the key to success in any area of life, not just in bonsai care.

Watch Masahiko Kimura in action below:
In this episode Lindsay Farr keeps travelling and we get to meet a true bonsai expert, Masahiko Kimura that shows us some extraordinary bonsai trees and bonsai gardens.

Posted under Bonsai Master