John Yoshio Naka (1914–2004) was a Japanese-American horticulturist and master cultivator known as the "Father of American Bonsai". Born in Colorado and trained in Japan under his grandfather’s influence, Naka returned to the U.S. in 1935. He was instrumental in bridging the gap between traditional Japanese aesthetics and Western horticultural practices, particularly by utilizing native North American species like the California Juniper.
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Master the first volume, and you master the foundation. The rest—the art, the beauty, the spirit—will follow naturally. john yoshio naka bonsai techniques 1
Naka was rigorous about repotting timing (late winter/early spring) and root pruning. He famously stated, "The roots are the feet of the tree; you must trim the toes so the shoes fit." john yoshio naka bonsai techniques 1