What is the World Bonsai Convention (WBC)?
The world bonsai convention is a place where bonsai enthusiasts meet and cultivate friendship, exchange knowledge, technology, and information related to the art of bonsai. Its goal is to advance the international friendship, and promoting bonsai culture among countries of the world.
The first ever World bonsai convention was held in Saitama, Japan in1989, hosted by the Nippon Bonsai Association (NBA). The theme for the convention was "WORLD PEACE THROUGH BONSAI".
The venue for this convention was Omiya city (now Saitama city) in Saitama which was widely recognized as a “Mecca of Bonsai”, accordingly the event had the attention of The Bonsai communities all over the world. From Japan, 504 people registered and attended, plus 733 from 31 countries outside japan, which brings the total of 1237. It was a highly successful event and simply astonishing.
There were 14 Japanese bonsai artists who gave demonstration including Mr. Saburo Kato (Yoseue with Ezomatsu), Mr. Hiroshi Takeyama (Yoseue with himeshara stewartia), Mr. Masahiko Kimura(Bunjin style Akamatsu), Mr. Jiro Fukuda (Kabudachi maple). 40 certified (by the NBA) bonsai instructors helped many bonsai lovers at bonsai workshops.
The World Bonsai Convention/ Past Conventions
1st (1987) Saitama City/Japan
2nd (1993)Orlando/ the United States
3rd (1997)Seoul / South Korea
4th (2001)Munich / Germany
5th (2005)Washington D.C. / the United States
6th (2009)San Juan / Puerto Rico
7th (2013) Jintan / China
After 28 years, the World Bonsai Convention will be held in Saitama City, Japan again in 2017.
