Interestingly, I heard it mentioned once in one of the Art of Japan videos by Bjorn, but he is a very well educated guy. He has an advanced degree, I forget but either Masters, or possibly PhD, I believe in economics. I believe Bjorn was working for a bank at least part time while he was living in Japan. Clearly he loves bonsai, and he is pretty sharp, but we do not know how he put together his finances, nor should we. It is clear he worked hard and made it happen.
A nursery, retail business or a bonsai business must be located on property that is appropriate in price and tax structure appropriate for the business. You can only generate so many dollars per square foot. If the mortgage & taxes total more per square foot than the property can generate, the business will fail. A 2 acre bonsai nursery can not afford to be on high priced real estate in an urban center. You simply can not sell enough shimpaku to cover your per square foot overhead. Ideal location would be cheap land within about 90 minute drive of a population of at least 1 million people. Most "hobby growers" will be happy to drive up to about 90 minutes to visit a specialty vendor. I think Bjorn has sited his business in a near ideal area. Out far enough to have lower property overhead costs, yet within the "acceptable distance for a specialty destination". The man is quite smart.
