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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.

Alt Text: A group of people gather outdoors under a large tree, working on crafting projects at tabl
People gather under a large tree in a park, engaging in a picnic with tables set up.
A beautifully pruned bonsai tree on a black stand, with lush green leaves and moss, is showcased in
Two men at a table engage in bonsai tree pruning. One, sitting, trims a tree in a pot while the othe
A bonsai tree in a clay pot on a wooden slab is accompanied by a small stone sculpture and a sign fe
A bonsai tree with lush green leaves and small oranges on its branches sits in a glossy red pot. Nea
Two bonsai trees in pots are displayed on a tabletop. One tree sits on a raised stand, featuring lus
A diverse group of 15 people pose indoors, with three elderly individuals seated in front. They smil
Two elderly women sit at a table engaged in conversation, surrounded by water bottles and a spray bo
A bonsai tree on a wooden stand, styled in a dynamic, windswept design. It's flanked by small potted
An elderly person, wearing glasses and a cap, carefully tends to a small bonsai tree, adjusting its
Elderly man meticulously trims a bonsai tree in a terracotta pot, conveying focus and care. The sett
Two elderly men work intently on bonsai trees at a table, surrounded by plants. One wears a hat and
A group of people focused on shaping bonsai trees at a workshop. They work intently at tables, surro
Man smiling and gesturing towards a bonsai tree while another trims it in a workshop setting. Others
A group of people participate in a bonsai workshop in a well-lit room, engaged in trimming and styli
Hands carefully prune and shape a small, vibrant green bonsai tree with a tool. The setting is calm
A miniature bonsai tree with lush green foliage is elegantly displayed in a shallow pot. Soft sunlig
VJCC Festival exhibit of diverse bonsai trees on white-clothed tables; two people admire them. Calli
A group of people at the VJCC Festival are gathered around a table, intent on their tasks. Potted bo
Panoramic view of a lively indoor workshop with diverse people engaged in crafts around tables. Brig
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