BONSAI (盆栽) literally means tray planting, and a loose definition can mean any plant confined to a pot. In Japan, bonsai is stereotyped as a hobby of retired men, but recently the art of bonsai has started outgrowing its traditional boundaries and adapt to new creative needs.

In the crowded metropolis of Tokyo, where space is a luxury and few apartments have land, bringing green into the home has found renewed inspiration from bonsai. Japan has seen an increase in small bonsai, sometimes called mame “miniature” bonsai. I like to call this adapting art “urban bonsai.”  Urban bonsai are adapted to restricted spaces while at the same time satisfy the trendy and classy tastes of a growing generation of eco-minded urbanites. Traditional conifers and deciduous trees are used, yes, but also flowering plants and even grasses are incorporated for a wider palette of shapes and colors. Urban bonsai is seen as the next step in adding harmony and balance to uninspired surroundings, rather than simply placing indoor plants around the house. Miniature landscapes add a refreshing green accent to urban interiors and balconies, and decorating with plants can turn a lifeless corner into a chic living space.