Bonsai Master

Masashi Hirao

Masashi Hirao was born in Ikedacho, Miyoshi-shi of Tokushima. Hirao, then a student at the Kyoto Sangyo University, was profoundly inspired by Mirei Shigemori’s Hojo Garden on a visit to Tofukuji temple. The experience instilled in him a wish to contribute to the preservation of Japanese culture, and he become an apprentice at the Kato Manseien in Bonsai-cho, Saitama-shi. His mentor, the late Saburo Kato, urged Hirao to “become one to communicate the art of bonsai both within and outside of Japan”. Kato’s words stayed with Hirao as he went on to refine his craft and eventually take his ventures overseas. These included demonstration workshops and performances in multiple countries, and in 2013 Hirao was appointed to Japan Cultural Envoy by the Agency for Cultural Affairs. This was followed by a 4-month, 11-country mission introducing the beauty and charm of bonsai to the rest of the world. He is now also exploring the possibilities of bonsai as a medium of expression.