"Naka-isms"

RonMartin(deceased)

"Naka-isms"

A word that I borrowed from another thread and I am going to take it totally out of context. Hope that the one who coined the phrase will bare with me and realize that I am not slamming him. Just borrowing the phrase for a bit.
Obviously it refers to John Naka. A man that bonsai in the US owes much to. An icon to most. To some just another legend. A few even less.
Each of us is entitled to their opinion on the man.
I was lucky enough to meet him a couple of times. I was impressed to say the least. He had most of the answers. Not only to bonsai but a lot of other things also. His Techniques I & II books were first published 23 years ago. They are still as sought after as the day they were first published. Not a bad legacy if you ask me.
Anyway that is my opinion. We all know that everyone is entitles to one of their own. So what's yours.
Was he good or just quoted too often by the masses

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Bonsainut

He was good

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otomix

he was the master! i imported the books form the US (as im in australia see <-----)

and they pretty much along with colin lewis's books have given me my bonsai knowledge! NAKA IS THE LEGEND!

honestly, he bought bonsai to not only the US but to every major country in the world, and unfortunatley i was too young to see him when he has now passed on, but i wish i had. i would give all my trees for a chance to have him drawme a sketch...

hes like valentino rossi is if you ride bikes
schumacher if you like cars
picasso if your into painting

the list goes on. not only should we have tremendous respect for him, but overall i just thank him for his work!! hell im into bodybuilding, and i have the same respect for arnold schwarzenegger in that!!

i think his new name is nakanegger!!

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-RIP the master, MR J. Naka

Jerry Meislik

Ron,
I was on two of John's trips and spent time with him at his home and at various conventions.
He was good. An artist and a great teacher. A rare combination.
Jerry

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Gary Marchal

John Naka was the first guest speaker I witnessed and was introduced to when I started bonsai 20+ years ago in New Orleans. Since that first introduction I had the opportunity to witness many of his demonstrations, work with him in many workshops and visit with him socially in both of our homes and gardens. One of the greatest thrills for me in my "bonsai life" was to be a headliner with him and Marc Noelanders at a Golden State Bonsai Convention a few years ago. John Naka has had a profound influence on my bonsai art as well as countless other bonsai enthusiasts worldwide. Many enthusiasts loved him for his art, many others for his teaching style and everyone who I know for his passion and humility. John has given me a special gift in my bonsai art and for this I'm eternally grateful for meeting and working with this kind caring teacher. I've heard of some enthusiasts who don't care for his bonsai art or his teaching style. I'm waiting to see if any of those enthusiasts will be able to step forward and fill those shoes. I doubt it.

Best Always

Gary Marchal

RonMartin(deceased)

Good words Gary.

We are in total agreement on the subject.

mike_p

[QUOTE= I'm waiting to see if any of those enthusiasts will be able to step forward and fill those shoes. I doubt it.

Best Always

Gary Marchal[/QUOTE]

Gary, your tribute to John is very well spoken, and obviously comes from the heart.
I first met John when he was giving lectures and demos at an ABS seminar at UC Davis in 1979. At that time his book was a constant reference and nightly reading for me. Meeting him in person was like meeting a god.
I was lucky to have been in a number of his workshops and attended many of his lecture/demos.
For all his accomplishments, he was a down to earth guy and always friendly to all. A year could pass without me seeing him anywhere. Then I'd run into him at a convention and he always remembered my name.
Naka-san, a most unique individual, and not to be replaced.

Regards
Mike

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robert1955

I wish I could of met him. When I first was getting into Bonsai , in Denver, I worked with a guy named Karl Yamaguchi. We were talking about my new found hobby and he said his uncle was into Bonsai plants. It was the time of the LA olympics and he was going back to LA for them . When he came back he gave me a book that his uncle wrote me a little note in it to me. It was John Naka's first book. Little did I know what an impact that his book had on me. Peace
Bob

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jhill

John Naka is my mentor and will always be. I just wonder if he would get into these debates?? Just a thought.

A Friend in bonsai
John

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