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A small, lush bonsai tree with dense green foliage is positioned against a blurred brown background. The mood is serene and natural.

BONSAI

盆栽

An elderly man carefully trims a bonsai tree in a classroom. The room has several people and tables with plants, creating a calm, focused atmosphere.

Marina Bonsai Club

LET IT GROW!

The Marina Bonsai Club provides hands-on Bonsai workshop classes.  Bonsai is the Japanese art form using cultivation techniques to produce small trees that mimic the shape and scale of full-size trees.

People participating in a bonsai workshop in a well-lit room. Tables hold bonsai trees and tools, with attendees focused and engaged in the activity.

The Marina Bonsai Club has a storied history and an amazing pedigree. Early on, John Naka, the "father of bonsai in America" was in charge. When he left, his students Ben Oki, Frank Goya, and Shig Miya became the senseis of the club. All three of them received many honors in their bonsai careers including being asked by the National Arboretum in Washington, D.C. to display some of their work.

Portrait picture of Shig wearing a baseball cap

Shig

Portrait picture of Frank wearing a baseball cap

Frank

Three elderly individuals sit side by side, two men in matching caps and a woman wearing a floral dress. Bonsai trees in pots sitting on a table decorate the background.

Sadly, Ben and Frank have passed away and are sorely missed. However, at the ripe young age of 103, Shig is still our sensei, our light, our role model. Ben, Frank, and Shig set the tone for the club, both as teachers and as warm, friendly, open people – all with a great sense of humor.

 

Because of how the three of them felt and acted, the club became a diverse group of people who are excited about bonsai and who care about each other. This was never more apparent than after the January 2025 fires when the club made sure that everyone who had lost their bonsais to the flames would have at least one new bonsai to re-start their collection.

At each meeting, members bring a plant to work on. Some are beginners who need lots of help. Others have been in the bonsai world for years, but enjoy working in the company of other club members.

A person wearing a black hat and shirt, both featuring a circular tree logo with text "Let it grow!" The scene conveys a calm, nature-themed vibe.

The club meets every three Saturdays in Westchester from 10 am until noon. For a detailed schedule, please contact Shinya Miyakoshi at 310-951-7232.

 

If you are interested in learning about bonsai, stop by. You can see what our classes are like, meet our senseis and join us for tea time. Many visitors decide to join the club before the first sip of tea.

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