Off to Japan

[justBonsai]

People who know me personally know what I've been up too but I wanted to share the news with the bnut family as I've benefited a lot from this forum.

I have been accept as an apprentice at Fujikawa Kouka-en nursery. I am insanely tired and I don't think I've worked as hard for something in my life before and I'll tell you that I ain't no slacker. Unfortunately there is no break to be had and in 10 hours I return to UCR for a final and difficult quarter. I move to Osaka in August. You can read about my story on my site:
https://bontsai.com/2018/04/01/japan-here-i-come/

Life has gotten real and also immensely busy. I will write when I have time but maybe not as active as before. Please subscribe to my blog to see periodic updates when they happen.

 

[Tentakelaertje]

Congratz mate! Good luck!

 

[Clicio]

Congratulations and enjoy it as much as you can!

 

[markyscott]

Congratulations B! Please check in with us and let us know how you’re doing. I think you’ve made a great choice to go to Kouka-en. I took a workshop a number of years ago with Foujikawa-san and I found him to be an excellent teacher. I learned much from spending one day with him. I’m sure you’ll return as our teacher!

S

 

[Paulpash]

Big decision... Following in bjorn's footsteps good luck and I will join your blog - promoting your work & dedication online seems the way to go to get yourself noticed.

 

[Nybonsai12]

This is awesome. Congrats!

 

[LanceMac10]

Best wishes and good luck, YoungTsai!!!!

 

[Cadillactaste]

I enjoyed your site...and the story of how you got to where you're headed. How long is your apprenticeship?

 

[MACH5]

Congratulations Julian!! Such a fantastic opportunity and one of the best places for deciduous bonsai. So jealous!! Wish you all my best!

 

[just.wing.it]

Congratulations!!!
Awesome!

 

[Dav4]

Awesome!!


.... and you know what kind of pots I like, right?

 

[Bonsai Nut]

Congratulations! We expect tons of pics!! We will live vicariously through your adventures!

 

[BunjaeKorea]

People who know me personally know what I've been up too but I wanted to share the news with the bnut family as I've benefited a lot from this forum.

I have been accept as an apprentice at Fujikawa Kouka-en nursery. I am insanely tired and I don't think I've worked as hard for something in my life before and I'll tell you that I ain't no slacker. Unfortunately there is no break to be had and in 10 hours I return to UCR for a final and difficult quarter. I move to Osaka in August. You can read about my story on my site:
https://bontsai.com/2018/04/01/japan-here-i-come/

Life has gotten real and also immensely busy. I will write when I have time but maybe not as active as before. Please subscribe to my blog to see periodic updates when they happen.
View attachment 184719

I seriously hate you man......seriously.....hate you lol

The love hate kind of thing because words cannot describe my jealousy right now.
But on a lighter note congrats and stay in contact.....if you feel like coming across the pond to Korea tell your master I know where all the A+++ grade hornbeam growers and dealers are.....but they aint cheap lol....
Need to head over to J~pan hopefully in the summer...so stay in contact and congrats again

 

[thumblessprimate1]

Congratulations!

 

[Lazylightningny]

Congrats! Work hard and stay focused! It's great to see so many young people getting seriously into bonsai.

 

[justBonsai]

Congratulations B! Please check in with us and let us know how you’re doing. I think you’ve made a great choice to go to Kouka-en. I took a workshop a number of years ago with Foujikawa-san and I found him to be an excellent teacher. I learned much from spending one day with him. I’m sure you’ll return as our teacher!

S

Yeah I will be a hard but good experience. I think among all the nurseries you can apprentice in Japan Kouka-en will let you work on a lot of trees and consequently learn more. Just from my second day I was allowed to work on a huge arakawa maple but just simple pinching work.

I enjoyed your site...and the story of how you got to where you're headed. How long is your apprenticeship?

My intention is to do a full apprenticeship so 5 years.

Congratulations Julian!! Such a fantastic opportunity and one of the best places for deciduous bonsai. So jealous!! Wish you all my best!

Working in a place with deciduous was one of my criteria. I enjoy building deciduous more than coniferous trees.

 

[Cadillactaste]

Very cool...do you have any time off to go back home? Or stationed the full duration then come home...

 

[justBonsai]

Very cool...do you have any time off to go back home? Or stationed the full duration then come home...

Realistically I will not be going back home often. Maybe I might be able to visit once a year but I don't know how that works out. Fortunately I have family in Taiwan which is right next to Japan who plan on visiting me. Interestingly the old generation in Taiwan can speak Japanese as Taiwan used to be occupied by Japan during the WWII era, so my grandparents have no problem traveling around the country. It is some relief to know I won't be completely alone there and on occasion to be able to see old faces.

 

[kakejiku]

頑張れ！

 

[CasAH]

Congrats Julian. I am very envious of you right now.

I know this is something you have been working towards, and am happy you are living your dream.