Encounter bonsai today with a neutral mindset Nakanishi Chinshoen
Go to Prefectural Highway 33 and you will find Nakanishi Chinshoen near JR Kinashi Station.
We crossed its gate and, in the far end, saw a long Japanese garden with a cobblestone path and moss. Bonsai were on stands at a nice interval.
Stay neutral whenever you see bonsai
Nakanishi Chinshoen was founded in the early Meiji period. NAKANISHI Yoichi is its fifth owner.
When NAKANISHI was a child, his grandfather and the third owner were in their prime and had 10 apprentices in the garden. NAKANISHI was exposed to bonsai while playing with the apprentices. At first, he had no serious intention to inherit the business.
For 30 years, he has engaged in bonsai, which has completely become a part of his life.
“After 30 years, I have acquired a neutral mindset.” NAKANISHI explains his current state. Without being tied to the past, he always focuses on the present.
The Japanese garden gains inspiration
In 2004, before the wave of inbound visitors surged in Kagawa, NAKANISHI made a Japanese garden in a place that had previously been occupied by regular bonsai shelves.
From word of mouth and social media, many overseas visitors interested in Japanese culture come to the garden every day. Some bonsai enthusiasts from Singapore and Bangkok became friends with NAKANISHI.
He is currently interested in people. With a big smile, he said that meeting people makes him the happiest.
Stately black pine bonsai are on four stands at the corner of the fence.
The garden trees cannot be changed, but the bonsai on the stands can. Cherry trees bloom in spring, and maples redden in fall, conveying a seasonal atmosphere.
“Today, fewer children associate food with a specific season than in the past. I want them to have a seasonal mindset whenever appropriate,” said NAKANISHI .
NAKANISHI is inspired by what he read in books and from his travels and other experiences.
However, making a decision is more important than being inspired, he said. Decision making may explain NAKANISHI’s approach to bonsai.
The shape of a bonsai represents the personality of the individual who chooses it
Kotobuki is a variety of black pine that originated from the third owner. It is characterized by short leaves and a darker color compared to typical black pines. The variety is popular among bonsai enthusiasts.
Interestingly, the shape of a bonsai overlaps the life of the individual who chooses it, said NAKANISHI. He looks forward to seeing what kinds of people come to his garden and what shapes of bonsai are chosen.
Nakanishi Chinshoen
- ADDRESS
- 148 Sato, Kinashi-cho, Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture
- SHOP
- 8-2 Sato, Kinashi-cho, Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture
- TEL
- +81-87-882-0526