Link to registration: https://store.bonsaitonight.com/products/winter-shohin-school-2026 (Breakdown of each day’s schedule and detailed info is at the bottom of this post) The first two shohin schools were held in Portland Oregon - the upcoming Shohin School will be in the bay area! The closest airport is Oakland International. Registration is limited to 50, so get on it! Nao and I can’t attend in person but we will be sending shohin pots down (check out either Jonas or Bonsaify’s tables for our pottery). :) I know of a couple great shohin enthusiasts in Oregon who will travel down for this school, you’ll be in great company! More info straight from Jonas: https://bonsaitonight.com/2025/12/05/2026-shohin-school-registration-open/ January 31 - February 1, 2026 Harrison Recreation Center, Lincoln Park 1450 High St, Alameda, CA 94501 Headliner Daisaku Nomoto, along with Andrew Robson and Jonas Dupuich, will lead a shohin-focused weekend covering the basics of shohin bonsai...

Registration is opening soon for the 2026 ABS Learning Seminars Event: Bonsai in the Blue Ridge on June 4th-7th, 2026. Save the date for this very special event!

New information continues to be posted about the 2025 Winter Show outside of Charlotte, NC this year. First, the general details: Date: December 6 & 7, 2025 Location: 150 Research Campus Drive, Kannapolis NC 28081 (same as previous years) After last year's record turn-out, we're looking forward to an even more popular show this year. News: Vendor and Exhibitor tables have been booked for months. There are still 25 seats still available for Saturday night's banquet, which I highly recommend - great companionship and decent food! Looking forward to seeing you all this year!! The Official Show Website

Today I've got a surprise for everyone, but first I wanted to let you know about my experience with an old/new Japanese bonsai and ikebana tool company - Wazakura Japan. I say old/new because while the company is relatively new (founded in 2019), it sells craftsman built tools from established artisans, some of whom represent three generations of experience. The company was created to increase accessibility to quality bonsai tools, while supporting traditional Japanese craftsmen and craftsmanship. I highly recommend you check out their web site. In addition to their storefront, they have a wealth of information about the artisans, a bonsai blog, and a library of bonsai videos! Because I didn't know much about the company, I ordered a couple of tools to review. I use long-handled scissors more than any other tool, and am rather particular about what I feel comfortable with, so I ordered one of their 8.25" "twig bonsai scissors". Then, because I know how difficult they are...