This website, curated under the guidance of Bonsai Ohno, was created to introduce the artistic and high-quality Japanese miniature bonsai pots, known as Mame bonsai pots, crafted by various artists and kilns. In the world of Mame bonsai, Hachi-Awase (matching bonsai trees or grass and bonsai pots in perfect harmony) is extremely important. More than that, it is one of the most enjoyable aspects of creating bonsai. We hope that through this site, you will discover more pots and that your passion for this hobby will continue to grow. This website is managed by Haruko Takigawa Ohno.
Bonsai Ohno: A Legacy of Bonsai Excellence
Founder: Akio Ohno
Bonsai Ohno was founded in 1970 by Akio Ohno in Eifukucho, Suginami-ku, Tokyo. As a member of the Japan Shohin Bonsai Association, Akio closely collaborated with the late actor Zeko Nakamura, who was the association’s president at the time, and served as the association’s vice president. Akio also authored several books on Shohin Bonsai, including “How to Create Shohin Bonsai” (Ikeda Shoten, February 1976) and “Creating Bonsai Shapes” (Ikeda Shoten, May 1979). In 1984, Bonsai Ohno relocated to Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture, a region known for its bonsai production. Akio passed away in 2003.
Tadashi Ohno
Born in Setagaya, Tokyo, in 1951, Tadashi Ohno joined the bonsai business with his father, Akio, from a young age. He also creates bonsai pots under the name “Kandagawa” using his own kiln.
Asami Ohno
Born in Gunma in 1960, Asami married into the Ohno family at the age of 18 and has been involved in the bonsai business alongside Tadashi Ohno. She is currently an active Mame Bonsai artist, with a particular focus on Kusamono.
Asami holds several memberships and positions:
* Member of the Japan Shohin Bonsai Cooperative
* Officer and Secretary of the Tokyo branch of the Japan Shohin Bonsai Association
* Member of the Maebashi Shohin Bonsai Club
* Member of the Kiraku Association
* Permanent booth at the Ueno Green Club
Asami has also contributed to various publications, including:
* A serial article titled “Creating Small Kusamono” in the monthly magazine “Modern Bonsai” (January-December 2011)
* A featured article titled “Creating and Growing from Material” in the May 2024 issue of “Bonsai World” (Express Media Publishing)
She has regularly appeared on the bonsai program “Bonsai Q” since 2022 and has made numerous TV appearances on NHK, NHK World, NHK BS, Fuji, Asahi, Nippon, and others.
Teaching Experience as a Bonsai Instructor:
* Mame Bonsai shop “Ichi Moku Issou” in Tokyo
* Ikebukuro Tobu Culture Center in Tokyo
* Japan Shohin Bonsai Association (Shiga-ten, Tokyo branch)
* Katayanagi Community Center in Saitama
Taiga Saito
Born in 1998 in Saitama, Taiga Saito joined Bonsai Ohno when he was 19 years old. At the age of 21, he began creating mini pots at Shouishi Kiln in Ibaraki Prefecture, focusing on hand molding and pottery wheel techniques. Currently, he regularly appears in instructional videos on YouTube’s Bonsai Q, where he demonstrates how to create mini bonsai aimed at beginners.
Teaching Experience as a Bonsai Instructor:
* Demonstrator and workshop instructor for Shohin Bonsai creation at the 100th anniversary celebration of Bonsai Village in Saitama City
* Moss ball workshop at the Saitama City Sakura Ward Festival
* Bonsai workshop instructor for house builder events