Saburo Kato's 'Spirit of Bonsai' inspires Imphal workshop
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 09 2026: A two-day workshop on "Art and Science of Bonsai" began on Saturday at LG Rose Garden, Yurembam, to mark World Bonsai Day.

The workshop was organised by Manipur Bonsai Association (MBA) under the sponsorship of the Directorate of Horticulture and Soil Conservation, Manipur.

The inaugural function was graced by Additional Director, Horticulture & Soil Conservation, Yeite Khupsorel Koireng; MBA president.

Laishram Ibopishak; and advisor Th Dimbajit as dignitaries.

Speaking on the occasion, MBA assistant secretary Ph Sanahal Sharma said World Bonsai Day is observed every year on the second Saturday of May, the birth anniversary of bonsai master Saburo Kato.

"Kato devoted his life to bonsai and developed the philosophy of 'Bonsai no Kokore', or The Spirit of Bonsai.

It stands for patience, friendship and a deep bond between nature and humans.

Today's programme is based on this philosophy", he said.

He recalled that during the USA bicentennial celebration, Japan gifted 53 cultured bonsai to the United States.

The collection included the Yamaki Pine, a bonsai that survived the Hiroshima bombing.

Kato played a key role in the gifting.

The tree's caretaker, a bomb survivor, had not disclosed his past, which only came to light later.

The collection is now at the US National Bonsai and Penjing Museum.

"Kato strongly believed that through bonsai, people can build a close bond not only with the tree they nurture but also with other plants, and live together in patience and friendship with nature and fellow humans", Ph Sanahal said.

MBA vice-president K Homen said, "Many have been practising bonsai for long, but there have been many changes over time.

To bridge the gap between the two generations, we are holding this workshop on the Art and Science of Bonsai" .

He added that most bonsai tools are made in Japan & China and are costly.

The workshop will also look at whether tools can be made from locally available materials and discuss suitable plant species for bonsai.

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