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Interesting discussion.
Yuji Yoshimura's book "The Japanese Art of Miniature trees and Landscapes, Their Creation, Care and Enjoyment". does just what it says in it's title.
I cut my teeth on this book and have 2 copies because the hardcover, second edition was in taters and the pages were falling out.
I remember the first time I read Chapter 4, which deals with training but also intoduces the reader the the 5 basic styles used in training Japanese bonsai.
It started my thinking off in the right direction. At least some direction that made sense, a starting point.
Over the years my thinking has changed as have my bonsai.
I'm of the opinion that it was a pivital book which I learned the basics from along with "Bonsai, Miniture Potted Trees," by Kyuzo Murata.
As Ringo Starr once said," Books are good, you can learn things from them".
Along the way, I have seen bonsai that have taught me along with those which have inspired me. I have met bonsai enthusiasts and bonsai professionals that have done the same. In the end, I have learned that you take what you need and you leave the rest behind. What do you get?
You end up with a collection of bonsai which you live with and
for better of for worse, depending on your skill level, understanding of what you want to express in your own trees and the time you allow for their training.
Beyond that, what more can you expect?
Is there an American, German, Italian, Japanese, Chinese or any other national style of Bonsai in the 21st century?
I don't know with 100% certainty, but I think not. Individual style seems to be the way we are going. I think those who have come before us and those who around today, are looking for their own style. It's fun finding your style and it changes.
The basics are still very important to learn in the begining, and I think that will always hold true except for those on the fringe.
May your plants flourish in the coming new year!
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