Also, allow enough time for browsing the back streets. While I have never been to Japan, I am told that Japan town in this area is about as close to being in Japan without sitting in the big bird. I spent more time shopping than looking at the trees there two years ago. This is a great place to find great Japanese books on bonsai in Japanese. There are about 10 book stores all of which sell only Japanese wares. The eating places are to die for. If tempura is your thing, then you will be in heaven. I seen everything possible dipped in batter and fryed on a stick. The sushi actually flows in the streets, and the bakery's smell awesome. Hmmm...makes me hungry just thinking about it.

I didn't notice a whole lot of stock or anything else of value for sale. They do sell many kinds of yard type plants there though. Lots of orchids and flowering type plants. Some shrubs and grasses.

They have a sort of theater there which does all sorts of Japanese dancing and kabuki. They had some Taiko Drummers there also.

Take some pictures if you can, and have a blast, Bonsai-al

Wow, sounds like it should be a great place! I am currently planning on spending the ENTIRE day there, so I should have a good amount of time.

Hopefully I will get to see the taiko as I am a drummer and I love world percussion. I have only seen Japanese dancing once before, but it would be very nice to see it again.

I will definetly check out the Japanese bonsai books. When you were there, did they take dollars or Yen?

Diamond lyme,
I will be there too, maybe we can hookup for lunch or sumptin.

Yes the show is free. And I don't think you will be saying much negative about these trees.

For all you who dont know this club is an invitational only, very exclusive bonsai -master group. Like the bonsai west coast allstars. Hand picked by our super- sensei John Naka. There are always people like Ben Oki, Harry, Ernie, Mel, in the room to talk to.

On this point about responing the the "ART" My advice is to hold your tongue in respect. I dont think everyone needs to be art critics. Just enjoy. See you there...

Ps. Walk down to Buddist temple and Little toyko bonsai nursery.Take your Visa/mastercard-
--out

Yesh, I didn't think I'd be saying anything negative. All show pictures I've seen have been really excellent. The club sounds to be very interesting; I have seen Ben Oki's work before and it is amazing!

I don't know how lunch will work out; my mom and I will probably do something spur of the moment.

I will definetly walk down to the nursery and I will bring cash (since I can't be trusted with a credit card )!

Bonsainut,
Where is the Little Tokyo Bonsai Nursery? I go down there about once a month, but I've never seen a nursery. Do you have an address?

I will likely be there Saturday afternoon if anyone's interested in hooking up. I usually eat at the Curry House next to the New Otani Hotel.

Andy,

(we're not talking about food/water/air).

Why aren't we? When you say something is the most significant import to humans as a species I'd think that's exactly what we're talking about. In fact, the species won't survive without them. I'll play along anyway though and list some other things.

How about stopping senseless wars that tax the people to feed the defense, oil and, building industry and their Washington buddies. What about beating this big nanny government of ours back into its constitutional bounds. We could even do a better job at teaching our children right from wrong, maybe we wouldn't have so many gang bangers. Even simple things like taking your grandson fishing, hunting or camping, it keeps the heritage alive. Having a friendly chat with your neighbor and giving them a couple of home grown tomatoes. All of these things are more real and important to me than art appreciation. I'd say they are more important to the survival of our species too.

Tony

When you think about some dead cultures, like Pompei, the ancient Greeks, Romans or Egypt, and especially long lost Dynasties in Asia, it is really true that the surviving art objects are really the key to understanding the societies and what they did value.

For example, while an over-the-fence chat or a walk on the beach may be more valuable to you than a trip to the museum on a given Sunday, it's Whistler's Mother, American Gothic and Saturday Evening Post covers that endure to tell the tale of those simple values.


Regards,

Matt
"I'm still not sure Andy was kidding"

I wonder what futuristic society's will think when they uncover the fossilized remains of my artisticly done crappy trees!

I shudder to think...

(One archeoligist to another).. "Hey maybe this culture was trying to help the impoverished earth by growing a renewable source of firewood in their backyard!)

My legacy, firewood... Bonsai-al

There is compelling evidence that what set us on the path to human-hood was art appreciation. Sounds pretentious... sounds ridiculous... but there you go.
Just to bring things back on tpoic, I will be attending a local show on Saturday. I have no idea how large it will be, or what will be shown, only that it is the Sutton bonsai society show. (SW London). I hope it is fun!

Regards,

TB

I can see where studying the art of ancient civilizations would tell you alot about them. I wouldn't leave it at that though. You can also learn from studying the more mundane things like, dwellings, tools, pottery and especially their writings, if any can be found. I don't think I buy that art appreciation is what set us apart from the animals. Maybe it's the fact that we can appreciate period. It doesn't necessarily have to be art.

Have fun at the show, TB.

Tony