NABF Newsletter #1

Feature #2

Saburo Kato's Greetings to John Naka

From the bottom of my heart, I send congratulations, together with members of the Nippon Bonsai Association, to Mr. John Y. Naka, the world's great Bonsai leader whom I respect, on the occasion of his 88th birthday ("Beijyu" in Japanese).

In my talks about Bonsai, I always note that Bonsai is a pursuit that can bring you a long life. I have also said that to live with a Bonsai and take care of it every day is a wonderful hobby not only for physical health but also for the health of the heart. I believe that enjoying Bonsai can rejuvenate you and add ten years to your life compared to those who do not have such a hobby.

Mr. John Yoshio Naka is exactly the man I am taking about. I hope from my heart that he will stay young and, more than ever, continue to guide us as the world's Bonsai leader.

Saburo Kato
Chairman, Nippon Bonsai Association

Mr. and Mrs. Kato with John Naka at the newly dedicated "Kato Stroll Garden" at the U.S. National Arboretum in 2002.
Photo by Ted Tsukiyama.