Prepared by George Haas
2026 Kokufu-ten Bonsai Exhibition Part 1
The première bonsai exhibition Part 1 took place at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, Tokyo, Japan from February 8 thru 11, 2026. It was the 100th anniversary of Kokufu-ten. The first Kokufu-ten was held in 1934 and has a history of more than 80 years. The Nippon Bonsai Association sponsors the bonsai exhibition. The exhibition bonsai are judged, and the best are awarded the Kokufu Award. Kokufu-ten is the largest and oldest bonsai exhibition in Japan. Its aim is to improve bonsai art and traditional Japanese culture. It is widely known for being the best bonsai. More than 2,000 visitors attended the first day of the exhibition.
George Haas attended Part 1 of the renowned bonsai exhibition on February 11, 2026. Photographs were allowed for the 181 bonsai displays. A photograph album is available for purchase with the publication date due sometime in June 2026.
The following photographs are some bonsai trees on display for Part 1:
Visitors in attendance
Rhododendron indicum ‘O sakazuiki’
Pinus densiflora
Elaeagnus pungens
