In expressing our heartfelt gratitude to the Mayor of Saitama City, Mr Hayato Shimizu, for your warm welcome and unwavering support, we reflect on the meaningful journey undertaken by representatives of the National Arboretum Canberra who travelled to Saitama, Japan at the end of October this year.
On the 1st of November 2023, Scott Saddler AM, Executive Branch Manager of the National Arboretum Canberra and Leigh Taafe, Curator at the National Bonsai and Penjing Collection of Australia (NBPCA), travelled to Japan to mark a significant moment in the history of bonsai art. A new collaboration with the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum (OBAM) in Saitama Japan, was formalised by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which the Japanese affectionately refer to as a "Sister Museum Agreement".
The formal ceremony for the signing of the MoU was witnessed by an audience of influential bonsai community members from both Japan and Australia, including Australian Ambassador to Japan, Justin Hayhurst.
The ceremony was held in front of the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum’s most famous bonsai, the Japanese white pine named “Higurashi”. This bonsai was taken from the mountains (also known as yamadori) and placed into a pot over 90 years ago.
The OBAM is considered the most respected and influential public collection of bonsai in the world. The OBAM has similarities with the NBPCA in that both are publicly run bonsai collections staffed by government employees. Both collections strive to educate visitors through the representation of the art of bonsai as they exist in each respective country. One of the differences between our collections is that OBAM is a museum in the true sense of the word, with history and artefacts on display for public viewing, whereas the NBPCA is simply a living collection of bonsai and penjing grown in Australia.
The OBAM has an outdoor display of bonsai set amongst a beautiful garden, indoor displays of bonsai and other items, and a large reception area and shop.
Following the ceremony, Scott had an opportunity to deliver a presentation about the NAC and NBPCA. This was also a good time to exchange gifts. Scott and Leigh were honoured to receive a beautiful artwork, gifted to the NBPCA. A lovely Suiseki (viewing stone) was gifted to Mayor Shimizu on behalf of the NBPCA, a World Bonsai Friendship Federation Cooperation Centre. This dan seki (plateau stone) was collected from the Mary River, which is a major river system in the South East and Wide Bay–Burnett regions of Queensland, Australia. The river was traditionally named Moocooboola by the indigenous Kabi people, and hence the stones from this area are referred to as Moocooboola stones. The suiseki was collected by Mr Lindsay Bebb, Chairman Emeritus of the World Bonsai Friendship Federation. He also carved the daiza (stand) from Tasmanian Myrtle, an Australian timber.
The essence of this agreement is one that emphasises collaboration and the exchange of knowledge between two renowned bonsai institutions. Our Curators at the National Bonsai & Penjing Collection anticipate the invaluable learning experiences that await them. The Omiya Bonsai Art Museum, a beacon of excellence in the world of public bonsai collections, is poised to become a rich source of inspiration and insight for our Curators.
Our Japanese colleagues are equally enthusiastic about the collaboration. Their anticipation extends not only to the exchange of knowledge but also to the cultural and ecological enrichment that Australia has to offer. One of their keen interests lies in exploring the art of Australian bonsai, with a particular focus on the unique native Australian tree species. They are also excited about immersing themselves in Australian culture and embracing the breathtaking landscapes that Australia is known for. The cross-cultural sharing of perspectives promises to be a rich and exciting exchange of art, culture, and knowledge.
On subsequent days after the official ceremony, staff and Australian delegates had the opportunity to visit a number of influential bonsai artists and their gardens around the Saitama Prefecture, expertly guided by Mr Yoshihiro Nakamizu from Bonsai Network Japan, who also kindly hosted a reception at the Bonsai Restaurant in Omiya Bonsai Village.
All-in-all, the Japan trip should be considered a great success for the future of Australian bonsai, the NBPCA and the NAC. This agreement will assist in forging very strong international relationships in the world of bonsai along with forming a very special relationship with the City of Saitama, Japan.
Leigh reflects on the garden visits:
“ Mr Kobayashi’s garden visit
When we arrived we were quickly whisked away to a restaurant a couple of blocks away to have lunch with Mr Kobayashi and his Curator, Mr Yasafumi Jin. After a quick lunch, back to the garden to have a tour of the indoor Tokonoma (indoor bonsai displays), then a very brief look around the garden. Sadly each visit on this day was rushed, we did not have much time to soak everything up. Mr Kobayashi’s garden was immaculate (as were all gardens), it was very busy with other tourists also. Mr Kobayashi was very busy running around making sure all visitors were being cared for and the garden was looking its best.
Next, Mr Kimura’s garden
Mr Kimura is Japan’s most awarded bonsai artist and is internationally referred to as “The Magician” for his ability to create bonsai that nobody believe would be possible. It was a more peaceful garden as we were the only visitors at the time, aside from the Shin kanzen (very fast train) zooming past on a nearby track. We had a little more time here and were able to get quite close to view some of his bonsai creations. Mr Kimura has won 27 Prime Minister Awards for Japan’s best bonsai, the next closest artist has only won 4. He had a lovely koi pond with some very large fish.
Mr Morimae’s garden
Mr Morimae is the owner of S-Cube bonsai. The name was derived from the 3 founders all having a name beginning with S. S-Cube is world renowned for selling some of the highest valued bonsai around the world. When I was there in 2017, they had just sold 3 bonsai for around $1.3M (AUD) each to a Chinese businessman. Mr Morimae also has a YouTube channel that is very popular WABI CHANNEL - YouTube
Mr Kawabe’s garden
It was a privilege to visit Mr Kawabe’s garden as it is not open to the general public. Mr Kawabe has some very old bonsai, some over 1000 years old, possibly even 2000. He is a master of artistically carving deadwood on bonsai. All the tools he uses are made by hand. He is an engineer by trade and very skilled at building things. He created a sandblaster to give a weathered effect on his deadwood. He and his wife were very kind, we had to translate everything via the Google App.The Shuga-Ten Exhibition
The Shuga-Ten Exhibition is Japan’s annual shohin bonsai show featuring the country’s best small sized bonsai. There were three floors of exhibition at a venue called The Green Club. Outside there were around 50 vendors selling everything to do with mini bonsai. As you can see from one of the images, with the tip of my finger in view, that the size of these bonsai is quite tiny. "