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Every so often I get to give my razor a vacation and after two weeks or so, move into my "Karate Kid" appearance. Each year it's more fun as the increasing amount of white hair seems to illicit a more respectful response from those who hear my message. To get into the philosophical mood, I work on Chinese Box Orange (Severinia buxifolia) and think about my friend and mentor Haruo "Papa" Kaneshiro who gave me the seeds for the plants I have today. I don't think you could find two people that are more unalike. Papa was a conservative traditionalist who exemplified all of the gracious hospitality and warmth of the Okinawan culture. He knew the rules but bent them to fit Hawaii and his philosophy. He believed bonsai was a hobby. Each time I questioned practices that conflicted with the "rules" he simply stated that he liked it that way. With time, each of us whom he mentored began to follow our own paths. A lot has changed since those 1960's days. I continue to believe that bonsai is a populist hobby to be shared with everyone! With common sense, it's not difficult. Start with trees that will thrive in your environment. Obtain trees that have a lot of character for styling inspiration. Learn to grow the trees so they will thrive. Maintain their shape so they become a celebration of man and nature in harmony! That's all there is to it! Each of us is different and a product of our genes, environment and experiences. The shape of a bonsai is the sum total of all of the various training steps and incidents that occurred in its life. If you train bonsai from seedlings or cuttings, the emphasis is to create character and desirable growth qualities. Like a proud parent, you enjoy watching it develop individuality. At Fuku-Bonsai there's a bit of sadness when we send off our promising youngsters out into the world. Fuku-Bonsai's True Indoor Bonsai™ goes through stages. Living Lovables are prepared bonsai stock that have important root controls started. Whether being trained toward "Keiki Bonsai," "Sumo," "Roots," or "Hawaiian Dragon" styling, each awaits the next layer of training. Living Sculpture are semi-trained bonsai with ideal root systems, trunk character, and basic branching. Larger, older Living Sculpture in 17-inch oval pots have begun to be exciting bonsai. Custom Collection is the creme of our crop! As professionals, our mission is being the supplier of highest quality trees that will bring joy, inspiration, and success! Each is healthy and shipped to arrive in great condition. We include cultural information and offer assistance by email, newsletter, or phone. Our comprehensive educational website supports customer success! As I turn over Fuku-Bonsai management responsibility to my successors, I hope they will continue the values that guided my bonsai career since 1962. I hope Fuku-Bonsai will always promote True Indoor Bonsai as a populist hobby in which everyone can experience success and celebrate man and nature in harmony. Mahalo to the stockholders, staff, associates and customers who have supported us and made Fuku-Bonsai possible! |