Have you ever heard of Bonsai? It is a Japanese historical hobby which miniaturizes the mother nature in flower pots.

It is now very famous all over the world, especially in the United States, France, Spain, and Italy. Though many people are fond of bonsai now, it is not easy to enjoy bonsai. You may get irritated how slow it grows and why it won’t grow as they wanted it to be.

Meaning bonsai will take quite a long time and a lot of effort. However, Bonsai could be one of the hobbies that you can get along with as long as you want. Simply because it will most likely live more than 100 years.

Bonsai was originally from China, called “Bonkei”. Surprisingly in Heian Period(*1), many bushi(*2) who were thought to be solemn loved to take care of Bonsai that it became their side-job. As time passed, after Meiji Period, the population of elderly expanded in doing Bonsai because they had a lot more time talking care of Bonsai more than bushi did.

So, it was thought to be one of the out-of-date hobbies until 1990s. Recently, it is known as the most coolest hobby in the world among youth.

[(*1)Heian Period: 794-1185. Approximately from 8c to 12c.]
[(*2)bushi : A Japanese warrior. Also known as “samurai”.]
[(*3)Meiji Period: 1868-1912]