Page 35 - BSAM 2017 Q3

Artist Shinji Suzuki’s Bonsai Museum which was open should I be interested in going there.
So Monday morning there I was standing on the platform in Obuse with eleven Italians who had also been to the convention and together we walked the short distance from the station to our destination. Af- ter pressing the doorbell the door was opened and we were greeted like long lost family. Mr. Suzuki along with all the apprentices who I had only seen the day before in Omiya were there, o ering a very warm wel- come. We were then treated to a guided tour by Mr. Suzuki along with anecdotes and explanations on the workings of a bonsai nursery. is was followed by co ee and cake and an impromptu lesson and discus- sion on the setting up of a Tokonoma and how the elements all relate to the overall presentation. Photos and handshakes and a farewell at the gate by everyone simply capped o the perfect end to my trip.
So how to wrap up the experience?
Sensory overload is probably the best way to de- scribe the convention. So much in such a short space of time. e ideas one comes away with backed up by thousands of photographs cannot do it justice. Am I glad I went? Absolutely! Would I do it again? Abso- lutely! Because it was a once in a lifetime event and there will never be another like it. ere, I said it...
About the Author Alan Jabs: I live in Adelaide, South Australia, I have been practicing Bonsai for around 30 years, (trees - Olive, Ficus, Pine) I am a member of the Bonsai Society of South Australia (around 10 years - and the best Bonsai decision I ever made), a very keen photographer, enjoy travel so I can include visits to other Bonsai locations and an avid sports person playing the sport of Broomball in Australia as well as administrating the sport on an international level.
Top; The Taikan Bonsai museum is owned by Bonsai Master Shinji Suzuki and
is a stunning place to visit. National treasures are on display everywhere you walk.
Middle left; What better place to hide from the rain and soak up the sights.
Middle right; The museum and nursery show that attention to detail with stunning trees on display.
Inset; the author and Master Susuki, a memento of an unforgetable trip.
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