Doors open at 12:30 pm. Program runs 1 pm to 3:30 pm.
Learn about the way of bonsai directly from Shinji Suzuki, one of Japan’s most esteemed and celebrated bonsai masters, as he makes a rare visit to the United States.
Suzuki, living and working in Nagano Prefecture, is widely regarded as a singular figure in contemporary bonsai. His mastery stems from decades of devoted study and a profound ability to perceive the inner life of trees. Through his award‑winning artistry, he expresses what he describes as the quiet harmony at the heart of bonsai—“a symbol of peace.” His visit reflects Portland Japanese Garden’s ongoing commitment to fostering cultural understanding and sharing the enduring beauty of Japanese traditions with the world.
Suzuki will be joined by respected local experts for an afternoon of presentations, demonstrations, and conversation. Together, they will illuminate the delicate craft of bringing forth a tree’s natural essence—a practice that spans generations and, like the trees themselves, carries life forward.
This special program hosted at Portland Art Museum is part of the Japanese Garden Training Center’s ongoing Garden+ Lecture series. The Training Center is a programmatic pillar of Japan Institute, Portland Japanese Garden’s global cultural initiative.
Mr. Shinji Suzuki and his son Hiroaki Suzuki showing their Bonsai skills styling this large Juniper Bonsai. The demonstration took place at the Crespi Cup in Italy.
Program
Language: Japanese with live interpretation
- 12:30 pm Doors open
- 1:00 pm Bonsai Demonstrations
- 1:30 pm Presentation (Demonstrations continue)
- 2:40 pm Fireside Chat and Q&A
- 3:30 pm Program ends
About the Speakers
Shinji Suzuki
A world-renowned bonsai master from Obuse, Nagano Prefecture, Japan, Shinji Suzuki began studying the art of bonsai at age 17 under the legendary master Motohiko Hamano. At just 36 years old, he won his first Japanese Prime Minister Award, making him the youngest person to receive the award at that time. Since then, Suzuki has become a consistent award winner at major national Japanese bonsai exhibitions including the prestigious Kokufu, Sakufu, and Taikan exhibitions, and he holds the record for receiving the most Prime Minister Awards in Japan. Through the dialogue with trees, Suzuki pursues the art of life, expressing the cycle of life and beauty, in his work. In addition to his remarkable bonsai practice, Suzuki is also passionate about introducing the beauty and essence of bonsai to the world.
Michael Hagedorn
Michael Hagedorn’s bonsai work bridges tradition and innovative design. He apprenticed with bonsai master Shinji Suzuki in Japan from 2003-2006, and authored the apprenticeship memoir ‘Post-Dated: The Schooling of an Irreverent Bonsai Monk’ and the offbeat educational book ‘Bonsai Heresy: 56 Myths Exposed Using Science & Tradition’. Formerly a potter, Hagedorn is the Bonsai Consultant for the Portland Japanese Garden, teaches classes to international students at his garden Crataegus Bonsai, and blogs weekly at crataegus.com.
Andrew Robson
An award-winning deciduous bonsai artist in the American bonsai community, Andrew Robson completed a three-year apprenticeship with Michael Hagedorn, after graduating from Yale University. He is the former President of the Bonsai Society of Portland, the largest bonsai club in the United States. Additionally, he serves as a member of the Portland Bonsai Village, and has previously served as a board member of the American Bonsai Society. Robson regularly exhibits work at Portland Japanese Garden and lectures at the garden’s Jordan Schnitzer Japanese Arts Learning Center. He is a host of the Bonsai Wire Podcast and regularly creates new episodes with the other hosts and prominent figures in the bonsai community. Robson resides at garden RAKUYO-en with his golden retriever Bailey, where he teaches and shares the art of deciduous bonsai.
About the Demonstrators
Matthew Reel
Matthew Reel is a seasoned bonsai professional with over eight years of training and study in Japan, honing a deep understanding of the art form under the guidance of renowned master, Shinji Suzuki. With a passion for cultivating and nurturing bonsai, Reel now works with clients to care for their trees, offering expert consultations and hands-on care. In addition to individual tree work, he conducts workshops, study groups, and demonstrations at conventions, sharing knowledge and fostering a community of bonsai enthusiasts.
Reel’s approach blends traditional techniques with contemporary innovations. In his spare time, he enjoys setting bonsai displays in the Tokonoma, his cats, and is an avid stone hound with a growing appreciation for Suiseki (viewing stones).
About the Japanese Garden Training Center
Japan Institute of Portland Japanese Garden’s Japanese Garden Training Center teaches the traditional skills and techniques for creating and fostering Japanese gardens, while acquainting learners with a garden’s cultural heart. The Training Center offers learners of all levels, from elementary school students to horticulture enthusiasts to seasoned professionals, the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the Japanese garden and its philosophies. It offers workshops, themed tours, school programs, lectures, professional seminars, and design intensives.
About Japan Institute
Japan Institute was established in 2020 as a global cultural initiative of Portland Japanese Garden. This sibling organization is the programmatic arm of Portland Japanese Garden, allowing us to share and expand our cultural programs more broadly around the world, deepen international partnerships, and continue to engage diverse people in shared experiences and conversations about peace, beauty, and connection of nature.
Portland Japanese Garden and Japan Institute share the mission: Inspiring Harmony and Peace.
This event is held in partnership with the Bonsai Society of Portland (BSOP). Founded in 1965 and with 600 members, the Bonsai Society of Portland is considered one of the largest and oldest clubs of its kind in the U.S.
