For the last couple of shows, American Bonsai collector Douglas Paul of the Kennet Collection has shown trees in the most prestigious Japanese Bonsai Exhibition, Kokufu Ten. I believe he’s had 3 trees accepted into the show.
This year, another American will be showing a tree: my good friend Matt Ouwinga, of Kaede Bonsai En. I’ve mentioned Matt many times on the blog, and most of you are familiar with his work from the 1st and 3rd national exhibitions, as well as his seedling business and work with clubs and conventions, giving workshops and demonstrations.
The tree was also featured on Peter Tea’s blog as an example of excellent ramification and design.
It was prepped and entered for Kokufu by Ken Fujiwara, you can read more about Mr. Fujiwara on his website, here:
FujiwaraBonsai

Congratulations Matt! Second American owner to exhibit at Kokufu Ten!

This year’s Kokufu exhibition will be a little tougher for every hopeful as there are about 50 less trees being accepted. Many of you have been curious to why this is. Well it is because the building in which the show is typically held, the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, has been renovated over the last few years. I believe they have added an escalator and a few other improvements to update the building. I know for sure that the last two years it was held in a typical business/residential building on something like the 16 floor. You would arrive on that floor and there the trees were. This year it is back at its normal location and it will the first time for me. So, the display area for the Kokufu trees will be smaller and less trees will fit. For that reason they have cut about 50 spaces/entries. Also for some reason I have not been…

Trying to piece together the winners of this year’s Trophy. From what I can glean, this is it. If there’s any mistakes, or others I’ve missed, please let me know.

First prize, Luis Baliño (picea)

First prize (Deciduous): Luis Vallejo (Fagus crenata)

Second prize (Deciduous): Udo Fisher (acer palmatum)

First prize (Shohin): Marc & Rita Cooper

[Edit – Looks like this display actually was in second place with Mark and Ritta’s other display shown below getting First. Not that it matters as both are quite stunning.]

Second prize (Shohin): Marc & Rita Cooper

Third prize (Shohin): Nanci Ball

Will update as information comes in.