Wazakura Japan Partners
At Wazakura, we've partnered with respected institutions, museum, artists, educators, and resellers in the bonsai and ikebana community to offer our customers exceptional bonsai tools and resources. Our partners share our dedication to excellence and commitment to providing high-quality products and services. Together, we're creating new opportunities for growth and innovation in the world of bonsai.
On this page, you'll learn more about our valued partnerships and exciting projects we've worked on. Join us as we continue to support and promote the art of bonsai and ikebana, and provide our customers with the tools and resources they need to succeed.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Wazakura Japan is now the exclusive Boonsai Tools brand of the Pacific Bonsai Museum. Recognized for our exceptional design and craftsmanship, we're honored to bring that same level of excellence to their organization, members and visitors!
Nestled amidst towering conifers in Federal Way, Washington, USA, Pacific Bonsai Museum connects people to nature through the living art of bonsai.
One of only two museums in the United States solely dedicated to bonsai, and one of only a handful of bonsai museums worldwide, Pacific Bonsai Museum maintains a collection of 150 bonsai that are among the finest examples of bonsai anywhere in the world. The collection is also the most geographically diverse bonsai collection in the United States, with trees from Canada, China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and the United States.
A grand outdoor setting with the elegance of a fine art museum, Pacific Bonsai Museum features 60 trees on exhibit at a given time, open to the public six days a week. This cultural gem offers contemporary and traditional bonsai exhibitions, group tours, education programs, field trips, and public events.
More at www.pacificbonsaimuseum.org
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Wazakura Japan has become the Ikebana Tool brand partner of the Ikebana educational plateform Ikebana.be.
Renowned for our outstanding design and craftsmanship, we are proud to extend the same level of excellence to their organization, students, and audience, as an honor.
Ikebana.be offers a path to tranquility amidst the chaos of today through the practice of ikebana. This ancient Japanese art form serves as a gateway to reconnecting with nature and oneself, grounding individuals in the present moment. By harnessing one's creativity, flowers and branches are granted a renewed life. The mission of Ikebana.be is to inspire, educate, and empower individuals to forge a deeper connection with nature and express themselves through ikebana, facilitating a profound understanding of both, self and the world.
Allow us to introduce Ilse Beunen and Ben Huybrechts, founders of Ikebana.be, who bring their wealth of expertise and unwavering dedication to the realm of ikebana. Through their teachings, workshops, books, and vibrant presence on social media, they fervently share their passion for this art form. Delve into their vast knowledge, find inspiration in their teachings, and immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of Japanese culture. Together, Ilse and Ben warmly invite you to embark on this captivating journey into the artistry of ikebana.
More at: https://www.ikebana.be
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A Thrilling New Partnership with Bonsai Releaf
Bonsai Releaf YouTube
Abdarrahman Eatwell
Bonsai Artist and Content Creator
Introducing Abdarrahman (AR) Eatwell from the Youtube channel Bonsai Releaf.
Coming from an art background, he became a professional videographer and ended up working with a luxury supercar brand. But he much prefers the change from fast cars to slow trees.
His mission is to tell the story of each tree, its potential, its challenges, and its transformation, inviting viewers to slow down and find joy in a deeply satisfying process.
In both his tree work and video work, he values attention to detail, intentional decisions, quality over quantity, and long-term thinking over short-term gain.
He firmly believes that every single tree can be transformed into something beautiful, given enough time and attention. He therefore prefers working with humble and accessible material and focusing on the journey, rather than acquiring more established trees and refining them.
Having started filming dozens of trees in 2020, there is lots more content to come!
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Bonsai Mastermind
Our Exciting Collaboration with Yusuke Ogawa
ReBonsai Instagram
Ogawa Yusuke
Bonsai Artist and Instructor
Introducing our partnership with Recycling bonsai and plants studio ReBonsai! We are proud to collaborate with Mr. Yusuke Ogawa, the renowed representative of ReBonsai, located in Itoshima City, Fukuoka Prefecture. With the theme "Reborn × Bonsai = Recycling of Bonsai," ReBonsai is dedicated to promoting the leasing & recylcing of bonsai and has a wealth of experience in bonsai techniques from Mr. Ogawa's 5-year tenure as a bonsai artist in Saitama Prefecture.
As part of our partnership, Mr. Ogawa rigorously tests and uses every Wazakura bonsai tool, providing us with invaluable insights and feedback to continuously improve our offerings for bonsai enthusiasts around the world. With his exceptional expertise in creating bonsai that aligns with modern living, as well as his skillful craftsmanship in creating water and stone pedestals as a "daishi," we share a common vision of making bonsai more accessible and promoting this proud cultural heritage of Japan to a wider audience.
We are excited to work together with ReBonsai in preserving and promoting the art of bonsai, and we invite you to join us in exploring the world of "life with bonsai" with ReBonsai as our valued partner.
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Unveiling the Ikebana Journey
A Partnership of Artistic Excellence with Ilse Beunen
Ikebana.be Website
Ilse Beunen
Ikebana Artist and Instructor
Ilse, a renowned Ikebana Artist and intructor, graduated and journeyed to Japan in 1989 with the support from prestigious foundations. She apprenticed under landscape architect Suzuki Shigeichi near Nagaoka, immersing herself in Japanese culture and mastered Sogestu ikebana.
Obtaining her teaching certificate in 1997, she taught ikebana to both Japanese and foreigners and created stunning arrangements at the Belgian embassy in Tokyo. Returning to Belgium in 2000, Ilse established an ikebana atelier, working tirelessly to raise ikebana awareness through teaching, workshops, books, and social media. She chaired the Sogetsu Azalea Studygroup from 2013 to 2019 and now serves as vice-chairperson.
Organizing Iemoto Akane Teshigahara's visit to the Floralies in Genth in 2016 was a career highlight, and she received the 90th Anniversary Commemorative Overseas Akane Teshigahara Award the following year. Ilse continues her education under Joko Crivelli, holding the 1st-grade Jonin-Somu teaching degree, with two more grades to achieve. She eagerly anticipates future opportunities.
Through our partnership, Ilse will conduct thorough testing of the Wazakura Ikebana tools, offering us invaluable feedback to enhance our products for Ikebana enthusiasts worldwide. Additionally, she will share her valuable insights and thoughts on the realm of Ikebana.
We are thrilled to collaborate with Ilse in preserving and promoting the art of Ikebana, and we warmly invite you to join us in discovering this captivating world at Ikebana.be.
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Mastering the Bonsai & Ikebana Crafts
Inspiring YouTubers who trust our tools
Zane's Trees TikTok
Zane
Bonsai Artist & Educator, USA
Zane is a bonsai artist and educator from Southern California with over 20 years of experience in growing, shaping, and sharing trees. When he first began, bonsai felt like a mysterious and intimidating world—full of confusing information and few accessible resources. Largely self-taught, Zane learned through hands-on experience, trial and error, and a whole lot of patience. Over time, his skills grew right alongside his trees.
Now, through his social media platforms, Zane aims to be the guide he wished he had starting out: approachable, encouraging, and never too serious. His mission is to demystify bonsai and make it accessible to everyone—whether you’re picking up your first tree or refining your technique. By using affordable nursery stock, propagation, and a simple, practical teaching style, he invites people to learn by doing and grow along with their trees.
Often called the Mister Rogers of bonsai, Zane is always happy to help. And as he likes to remind his audience: “Don’t forget to water!”
Gro Bonsai YouTube
Darren George
Bonsai Artist Youtuber, UK
Introducing Darren - a true bonsai enthusiast on a mission to spread joy and positivity through bonsai. He firmly believes that if everyone kept bonsai, the world would be a better place. Darren is dedicated to helping others experience the same happiness and fulfillment he gets from bonsai.
On his YouTube channel, you'll find a wealth of information aimed at bonsai beginners, including tips, tactics, techniques, and even tales of both the good and the bad that he's learned on his journey from hobbyist to professional. Get a glimpse into his bonsai world as he shares progress on his own trees and provides valuable insights to help you cultivate and care for your own bonsai.
Join Darren on his quest to make the world a more beautiful and peaceful place, one bonsai at a time. You won't be disappointed!
Root And Branch Bonsai Instagram
Jessi Jaramillo
Bonsai Artist, USA
Introducing Jessi Jaramillo of the popular bonsai Instagram account @TropicanaBonsai. With over 126,000 followers, Jessi is a Bonsai Master who has been cultivating bonsai since 2017. Inspired by a 30-year-old bonsai owned by his aunt, Jessi embarked on a journey to master the art of bonsai, specializing in Portulacaria Afra, a species that gave him hope in keeping bonsai trees alive after some untimely deaths of his bonsai trees when he first started.
Jessi’s bonsai journey is rooted in passion, nurtured through learning from his teacher Zuma Fleischmann, YouTube and Instagram pages like @littlejadebonsai, run by another of other partners, Gilbert Cantu. Jessi shares his passion all over the New Hampshire teaching beginner bonsai classes at pop-up breweries for Bonsai Bar.
Jessi’s Instagram is a space of inspiration, aiming to share the beauty of bonsai with the world and encourage the next generation of bonsai artists to explore and enjoy this timeless art.
FlowerJoos YouTube
John McDonald
Ikebana Artist Youtuber, UK and Hungary
Introducing John McDonald from the YouTube channel Flowerjoos. With 40 years of experience in the flower industry, including running his own flower shops in Scotland and serving as head florist at Gleneagles hotel, John now creates floral design videos and shares his expertise with clubs and in competitions.
He's a devoted practitioner and teacher of Sogetsu Ikebana, which perfectly complements the high-quality Japanese products he uses. Kenzan, a tool used in ikebana, is versatile and applicable in various flower arrangements, especially for events and corporate settings. Expect to see Wazakura products featured not only in his ikebana but also in other designs.
John shares his passion on FlowerJoos, a YouTube channel dedicated to inspiring and providing ideas in floristry, floral art, and Ikebana. John's philosophy is that flowers don't have to be complicated; the best approach is to be hands-on and enjoy the creative process. Established seven years ago, the channel now boasts over 450 videos!!
Little Jade Bonsai Instagram
Gilbert Cantu
Bonsai Artist, USA
Gilbert Cantu is a graphic designer and passionate dwarf jade bonsai enthusiast based in Corpus Christi, Texas. With over 23 years of experience cultivating Portulacaria afra, this tropical species has become his favorite among the varieties he’s grown. His bonsai collection has flourished over the years, yet he still treasures his very first little jade, affectionately named "The Godfather."
Gilbert is the founder of Little Jade Bonsai, a business dedicated to sharing the beauty and knowledge of dwarf jade bonsai. He offers private workshops, lecture demonstrations, and sells his trees at farmers' markets and special events. His passion has also gained a wide online following, with nearly 100,000 Instagram followers and a growing YouTube channel.
Gilbert’s philosophy is simple: “I truly love sharing knowledge and helping others begin their Portulacaria afra bonsai journey. For me, it’s all about taking care of our planet. If someone can learn to nurture one little tree, then that’s a great start.”
Italian Bonsai Dream YouTube
Mauro Stemberger
Bonsai Instructor, Artist, Youtuber, Italy
Mauro Stemberger, born in Feltre, Italy, in 1978, is a distinguished figure in both the realms of architecture and bonsai artistry. His fascination with bonsai began at the age of 14, propelling him into a journey of exploration and mastery. Over the years, Mauro has honed his craft through workshops with esteemed bonsai masters across Europe, enriching his understanding and technique.
Alongside his architectural pursuits, he co-founded the Italian Bonsai Dream workshop in 2005, serving as a hub for bonsai enthusiasts. Mauro's passion for bonsai extends beyond personal practice; he has contributed significantly to the bonsai community through teaching, writing, and leadership roles. With a repertoire of awards and accolades, Mauro continues to inspire and educate bonsai enthusiasts worldwide, embodying a dedication to both artistry and education.
Japanese Garden TV YouTube
Takaaki Matsunaga
Youtuber, Japan
Introducing our partner, Mr. Matsunaga, of Japanese Garden TV, a YouTube channel dedicated to showcasing Japanese garden craftsmanship. Matsunaga's mission is to preserve the art of Japanese gardens, facing challenges in Japan like: A shrinking domestic market due to affordability issues, diverting gardeners to other tasks. A shortage of young gardeners due to low pay and demanding work.
Matsunaga aims to spread awareness globally through his YouTube channel with over 135K subscribers. He's committed to using YouTube to revive interest in Japanese gardens.
Currently filming in Kyoto, he plans to collaborate with top gardeners. Your support will help him capture more captivating content across Japan, preserving this beautiful tradition for generations. Join us in supporting Mr. Matsunaga's mission to save Japanese gardens.
Fangorn Bonsai Instagram
Attila Csintalan
Bonsai Artist, Ireland
We are thrilled to introduce our new bonsai artist partner! Growing up on a farm in Hungary, he was always surrounded by nature, developing a passion for trees from an early age. After moving to Ireland, his fascination with bonsai began in 2017 when he received his first bonsai tree as a gift from his wife. What started as a hobby quickly turned into a daily practice. While maintaining a full-time job as an IT professional, bonsai serves as his peaceful escape from the hectic world.
Recognizing the therapeutic potential of this art, he launched a YouTube channel last year to share the calm and Zen of bonsai with others. Join us in welcoming this truly inspiring artist to our community!
Bonsai Jade Instagram
Gilbert Cantu
Bonsai Artist, USA
Emanuele Lufino is a bonsai enthusiast from Italy who believes that cultivating bonsai brings us closer to nature, relaxes the mind, and sparks creativity.
He mainly grows Portulacaria Afra, a succulent that is both easy to care for and highly rewarding. Emanuele’s passion began in 2019, when he bought his first small plant by chance—today, his collection has grown to include many more which he often shares online in fun and exciting videos.
On his Instagram account Bonsai Jade (@bonsai_jade), he shares tips, plant updates, tutorials, and straightforward propagation advice that beginners can easily follow. For him, seeing the growth journey of a bonsai is a source of endless satisfaction, and he invites others to join him in the experience
Hedy Leung Instagram
Hedy Leung
Ikebana Artist, HK & UK
Hedy Leung is a visionary Ikebana artist who intertwines nature’s symbolism, human essence, sound, and Sogetsu Ikebana to create rich intercultural narratives. A dedicated member of several international Ikebana associations, she earned her Sogetsu Ikebana Teachers' Diploma in 2021.
Her work spans art performances, residencies, and cultural projects across Asia and Europe. Some notable projects include Ikebana performance "Menhir Tapestry 1" at the Radio X 25th Anniversary X_ARTS Festival in Basel, "Ethno-Botanic Resonance" at London Metropolitan University, and "Ethno-Botanical Wonders" in Ishigaki. She has also exhibited at Design Miami in Basel and demonstrated at the Vitra Design Museum in Germany.