About NABF

The North American Bonsai Federation is an organization that represents the North American region in the World Bonsai Friendship Federation and as such is dedicated to the promotion of peace, friendship and goodwill in the world through cultural outreach and exchange possible with the practice of bonsai and related art forms.

The region consists of Canada, United States and the Caribbean. Due to similar language, Mexico has opted to participate in WBFF through the Latin American Region.

John Naka, The Late President Emeritus, NABF John Naka was instrumental in assisting Japan's Saburo Kato in the formation of the World Bonsai Friendship Federation in 1989 and served as WBFF Vice-Chairman and later as Chairman. He formed NABF as WBFF's representative organization to North America, and served as its first President. Until his death in 2004, he was WBFF Vice-Chairman Emeritus and NABF President Emeritus.

Felix Laughlin, NABF President As the president of the next host of the World Bonsai Convention, Felix Laughlin, the president of the North American Bonsai Federation, also serves as the current Chairman of the WBFF. As such, his WBFF general message applies to all who support the NABF.

The Path of Bonsai No Kokoro

Following the shock of September 11, the mission of the World Bonsai Friendship Federation has become more important and relevant than ever before. Saburo Kato's vision - and a principal purpose of the WBFF that he organized in 1989 - is to bring peace to the world through bonsai. Throughout his life, Saburo Kato has been walking the path of peace and friendship through bonsai, and WBFF wishes to encourage others to join this path.

Practitioners of bonsai all over the world have discovered that bonsai is more than a hobby. The Buddhist monks who centuries ago spread the art of bonsai from China to Japan and other countries realized that bonsai fosters compassion and brings about a deep respect for life. This connection between bonsai and the contemplative traditions of many religions continues to this day.

The first-time observer of a bonsai is often fascinated in seeing what could be a large tree in a miniature size. If one takes the next step of acquiring a bonsai, the young tree in a pot can lead the imagination on endless journeys to mystical places - old-growth forests, windswept cliffs or lush green valleys. Along the way, the enthusiast learns technique and horticultural science, but is eventually captivated and challenged by the process of experiencing nature through the rhythm of another living thing whose life span can exceed our own.

As the months and years of nurturing bonsai go by, the mind becomes more deeply centered on the beauty of nature. Spring is a time to sense the green freshness of new life, summer a time to smell the sweetness of an afternoon shower, fall a time to enjoy the reds and golds and prepare for winter, and winter a time to rest and dream of renewal. Over the years, the bonsai hobbyist becomes a practitioner whose very being is grounded in seeing nature through bonsai.

Saburo Kato has often spoken about the spirit and philosophy of bonsai (in Japanese, "bonsai no kokoro"). By nurturing bonsai, we learn the essence and dignity of life, and life becomes more meaningful. If we are diligent in our care, one day we will understand when a bonsai is asking for water or fertilizer. As we assume responsibility for the care of the bonsai, a close bond develops between the caregiver and the bonsai. In return for the caregiver's love, the bonsai portrays the utmost beauty of nature. The love one has for bonsai then expands to encompass nature in all its many forms.

This is the power of bonsai. As one's appreciation of nature grows, so will one's enlightenment. As a result, Mr. Kato has called it the duty of all those who love bonsai to keep "torch of peace" burning throughout the world.

Those who carry the torch of peace - those such as Saburo Kato and John Naka who selflessly lead humble lives and spread the word of bonsai - walk the path of "bonsai no kokoro." It is not a difficult path to follow - it only requires that you share the gift you have been given and pass it on to others. If you help only one other person to enjoy the art of bonsai or develop one friendship with another based on your mutual love of bonsai, the world will be a more peaceful place.

WBFF is calling on bonsai lovers throughout the world to join the path of "bonsai no kokoro." This website will facilitate communications between and among people around the world -- providing concrete ways to bring peace to the world through bonsai, seeking new ideas on how this can be accomplished, and reporting progress in all of the WBFF's nine regions.

With your support and commitment to action, Saburo Kato's vision can become a reality.

Felix Laughlin
NABF President
WBFF Chairman