THE YUJI YOSHIMURA EDUCATION FUND

Yuji Yoshimura (1921-1997) was born in Tokyo, Japan and trained in the art of classical bonsai by his father, Toshiji Yoshimura. After graduation from the Tokyo Horticultural School, he started a garden in Tokyo called Naka Meguro Kofu-En Bonsai Garden. In 1952 he began teaching the art of bonsai to the public, which was a unique undertaking at that time. Since he had some knowledge of English, his classes also included foreigners who were living in Japan. Thus he became the first person to offer instruction about bonsai to students who were not Japanese.

In 1957, with assistance from Giovanna M. Halford, he published The Japanese Art of Miniature Trees and Landscapes. Now, reprinted under the title, The Art of Bonsai, it continues to be sold and is in its 35th edition. In collaboration with Samuel H. Beach, he translated into English, the beautiful Japanese publication, Bonsai Masterpieces- Grand View of Japanese Bonsai and Nature in Four Seasons and working with Vincent Covello he also authored The Japanese Art of Stone Appreciation – Suiseki and Its Uses With Bonsai.

During the 1950’s he made the acquaintance of Americans, Dr. John Creech and Ernesta Ballard. Through this association Mr. Yoshimura was recommended for a teaching position at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden in New York City. In 1959 he taught at that institution, as well as at Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania and influenced many people who would later be active in establishing the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum at the U.S. National Arboretum and founding the National Bonsai Foundation.

At the conclusion of his teaching assignments he decided to remain in the United States and he founded the Yoshimura Bonsai Company in New York State and also establishing the Bonsai Trading Company in Tokyo. In 1962 he began teaching at the New York Botanic Gardens and continued working with students there until 1994. While living in the United States he occasionally led tours in Japan and also taught workshops in Europe and Australia. Over the course of his long and distinguished career he received numerous honors from bonsai organizations throughout the world.

In 1973, he discussed with Dr. Creech, then Director of the U.S. National Arboretum, his dream to have “a place to which American bonsai hobbyists could give their treasures knowing that the tree would be cared for and viewed by visitors for years to come.” This conversation led ultimately to the establishment of the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum. In 1990 the Yuji Yoshimura Educational Center at the Museum was dedicated to honor this teacher and bonsai master.

Contributions to the Yuji Yoshimura Fund are for educational endeavors related to the art of bonsai.