John Yoshio Naka was born on August 16, 1914 in Denver, Colorado. He and his family returned to their native Japan when he was eight years old. Having his grandfather as his constant companion, he observed as his elderly shaped and trimmed the trees.

When he was nineteen years old, John took up landscape design. He learned the fundamentals in the relationship of nature – trees, space and stone. After completing his education, he pursued further studies by attending a prestigious art school in Japan.

Because of the building war in Japan in 1935, his father feared that John might be deployed. John was sent back to Colorado to live with Sadao, his bruther. He settled down by marrying Alice Toshito Mizunaga in 1936. They had three sons: Eugene, Robert and Richard.

The family moved to Los Angeles in 1946. Here, John worked as a landscaper and concentrated on Japanese gardens. Striking a friendship with Sam Doi, John Naka was encouraged to read books about bonsai techniques.

His first work was the Montezuma Cypress. It was a 36 inch tall five gallon plant that was grown in Southern California. Years later, this plant continued to grow at the exact height. Tree also produced small cones two times.

At this point, John Naka was noticed as a bonsai artist. Together with for other friend, Fumiko Nagata, Ai Okumura, Joseph Yamashiro and Morihei Furuya, Naka started the Southern California Bonsai Club.

From local teacher, Naka went on to become a national teacher in the art of bonsai. He attended symposiums where he was the gust speaker in the 1970s. Some of his works were published in newspaper articles and on the “Bonsai Journal.” Here, he illustrated step-by-step the transformation of a juniper that is grown in a nursery to
the center of a bonsai garden.

Then Naka conquered the global scene by visiting various countries and also educating bonsai enthusiasts on his art. His collections of bonsai art have been viewed countless times. They have been published in countless books as well.

John Naka once said that he regarded his works as his grandchildren. That is why his interest and passion on bonsai can be seen by all.

The National Bonsai Foundation is a non-profit corporation which elected Naka as one of the honorary advisers to the foundation. Through the years, Naka has also become legendary in the sense that he has buildings named after him. As a matter of fact, a workshop room is named after him who they regarded as the “Father of Popular Bonsai.”

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The first ever appearance of the Bonsai plant was in China. A thousand years ago, the practice of growing specimen tree inside pots started. These were referred to as ‘pun-sai’. These plants had rugged foliage and the trunks were often mistaken as animals such as birds and dragons.

Because of these, the Chinese bonsai often inspired the creation of legends and myths. Since the shape is often associated to serpents and dragons, caring for the plant has become an esteemed hobby in China.

Japan adopted the Chinese practice in the Kamakura period. Zen Buddhism was spreading around Asia and this was also the time when bonsai was introduced in Japan. Over the years, the plants were no longer limited in Buddhist monasteries for the Buddhist monks to care for. They became a symbol of the aristocrats. Soon enough, bonsai symbolized honor and prestige in the Japanese culture.

Later on, the philosophy and ideals the bonsai held were challenged. Bonsai represented the mixture of ancient beliefs as well as the philosophies from the East that harmonizes man with his nature and his soul.

The Japanese elite brought the hobby of shaping bonsai indoors. It became a crucial part of Japanese culture. Bonsais were displayed on shelves inside households. These were no longer plants that were found in the garden. Pruning extended to the smaller trees.

In the 17th and 18th century, Japanese art reached its peak and was highly regarded by the surrounding cultures. Bonsai became an interesting collection for various races – not just the Japanese. This has established the art form all through out the other traditions and cultures around the globe.

Bonsai took on different styles. It varies from one technique to another but bonsai artists continue to take on the challenge by introducing a new concept one after another. It resulted to even small buildings becoming an art form. This is the art of bon-kei.

Bonsai exhibitions have been held in Vienna, Paris and London to name a few. This has surely made the world aware of bonsai art and culture. This phenomenal green movement also increased the demand for bonsai. Bonsai enthusiasts take on the study of pruning and shaping the plant.

Because of the changing times, bonsai has also reflected an evolution in its design to compliment the turns of modern times, as well as the bonsai enthusiasts’ tastes. Add to the fact that the great variety inspired from the cultures and conditions of the countries practicing it.

Just Max

(Juniper Procumbens "nana")

Beginnig Bonsai: The Gentle Art of Miniature Tree Growing
Larry and Shirley Student

This book is one of the best for beginner bonsai growers and is authored by Northeast Bonsai Association charter members. Everything you need from buying your first bonsai to creating your own bonsai landscape is here. There are also important tips on how to find the right bonsai style, how and when to prune or pinch and anticipate potential problems. This is a practical book to have, especially if you're still unsure about handling bonsai.

The Art of Bonsai: Creation, Care and Enjoyment
Yuji Yoshimura with Giovanna Halford

This book is in paperback and discusses the beginnings and nature of bonsai as an ancestral tradition. You get expert advice and lessons from Yoshimura, who travels the world to teach about bonsai and from Halford, a pupil of Yoshimura's.

Together, they bring together the eastern and western aspects of bonsai growing in an easy-to-read book that is filled with practical answers to the most common bonsai problems. Incidentally, Yoshimura owns the Kofu-en, a bonsai nursery near Tokyo, which is frequented by international admirers.

Bonsai Survival Manual: Tree-by-Tree Guide to Buying, Maintaining and Problem Solving
Colin Lewis

Authored by the founder of Bonsai Magazine, this book will give you the most detailed advice on selecting plants for bonsai, assessing bonsai health and yes, ensuring its survival. From buying to shaping, from pruning to repotting to handling common pests and diseases, this book also contains specific information for each bonsai featured in its pages. Also with photographs, a good book to have if you're a beginner.

Bonsai (101 Essential Tips)
Harry Tomlinson

The best 101 tips for bonsai growing and care are what you'll get from this book, authored by one of the leading bonsai instructors in Europe. The tips are practical, easy to understand and can provide the most comprehensive answers to the common (and uncommon) bonsai questions.

Bonsai Landscapes
Peter D. Adams

If you have enough bonsai experience, then you're ready to move on to the next level by creating landscapes for your bonsai. The topics are illustrated with photographs and line drawings and the whole book has easy to follow instructions for 13 styles of landscapes. Great if you plan to create miniature worlds in a small pot.

Just Max