Page 43 - BCI Bonsai & Stone Appreciation Q1 2025

The main
reason I chose
Masahiko
Kimura as my
master was his
extraordinary
bonsai
techniques,
which continue
to inspire both
professionals
and hobbyists.
Top four images: Views of
the front, sides and back of
the juniper with top-grafted
Itoigawa canopy.
Bottom: The juniper is removed
from its pot and ready for the
nemaki process.
could harm or even kill the tree, so precision and care
are crucial.
In this article, I present a tree with beautiful sections
of deadwood (shari), two prominent live veins at the
front, and a high-quality grafted Itoigawa canopy.
However, the lower section of the trunk was straight
and cylindrical, which disrupted the overall design.
Addressing this flaw was essential to enhance the tree’s
natural beauty and movement.
Having observed my master perform nemaki on
several occasions, I knew the steps involved:
1. Separate the live vein from the shari.
2. Carefully thin the live vein to make it as flexible
as possible.
3. Protect the vein with raffia and aluminum wire,
ensuring it bends uniformly without breaking.
For hobbyists attempting this technique, patience and
attention to detail are key. The live vein is the lifeline
of the tree; any damage can be catastrophic.
January/February/March 2025 | BCI | 41