A heartbreaking event—the theft of bonsai from the Hoshun-in Bonsai Garden at Daitoku-ji Temple in Kyoto.

 

In response to the blog post where I shared this painful experience, I received countless messages of sympathy and encouragement—not only from within Japan, but from all around the world. 

I want to express my deepest gratitude. 

At a time when it felt as though time itself had stopped, the warmth of your support brought me immense comfort. I cannot thank you enough.

 

I first received the news while in Saitama, on the day before an important exhibition in Tokyo—the Genkō-kai, held once a year for our long-standing customers. The schedule was packed: setup, greeting visitors, taking down the display… And as if fate had conspired, the very next day was a pre-shoot for the upcoming Osaka EXPO 2025 Bonsai & Suiseki Exhibition. 

It wasn’t until the fourth day that I was finally able to return to Daitoku-ji in Kyoto.

 

At the Hoshun-in garden, where many famous trees are gathered, and international visitors come daily, replacement trees had been temporarily placed to maintain the appearance. 

From Hanyu, I brought back trees truly worthy of this garden, restoring it to the state it deserves—welcoming guests as if nothing had happened.

With the cooperation of the Kyoto Prefectural Police, and the humbling efforts of those in the bonsai community sharing information and helping in the search, we have conveyed to the authorities our belief—shared among professionals—that this may very well be the work of an overseas criminal group.

 

It is likely that the stolen trees are still hidden somewhere in the mountains of Kyoto, or in an abandoned home, while the perpetrators try to arrange a way to sell them abroad.

 

Bonsai live through water in their pots, and through light and air. In this season, without water for three days, they begin to weaken. 

Within a week, the heartbeat of these trees—fighting desperately to live—may stop.

 

If they are hidden in the mountains, all I can do is pray for rain… and for them to survive, here and now.

 

As someone who has lived over half a century with a love for bonsai, I cannot comprehend the mindset of those who would treat them as mere tools for money. 

 

At the garden’s private Buddha hall, I put my hands together and prayed:

"Please let them come home. And if that cannot be, may they at least live peacefully, wherever they may be."