Japan's Bonsai Diplomacy Is Doing Quite Well
A bonsai exhibition is being held at Hankyu Umeda starting on the 21st. I was invited to go and see it because my friend's product is also being showcased in collaboration with the bonsai.
I had the opportunity to speak with Mr. Moritaka, who is growing bonsai trees that are planned to be gifted to Pope Francis and President Macron. During our conversation, I felt that the situations in the forestry and bonsai industries are quite similar, at least domestically. Both are declining industries, facing the challenges of an aging population and a shortage of successors. Although Shikoku is the most active region for bonsai in Japan, the situation there is the same. However, one thing is different: the situation in overseas. Japanese forestry (cedar and cypress) lacks the brand recognition that bonsai has. 'Bonsai' has even become an English word. I don’t think Japanese trees would be appreciated by Pope Francis or President Macron if gifted to them. I believe they need to raise the presence of Japanese forestry abroad, learning from bonsai diplomacy.
Bye!