いいね！信州スゴヂカラ（日本で唯一の女性盆栽技能保持者 / 2020年11月7日）

Bonsai is one of Japan's ancient hobbies. Of the 43 bonsai masters nationwide, only one is a woman, and she's from Shinshu. This time, we explore the incredible talents of Japan's only female bonsai master. To become a bonsai master, one must join the Japan Bonsai Cooperative, have more than 10 years of outstanding activity, and receive the recommendation of multiple members. Yamamoto Chiyako, the fourth-generation owner of Matsuyamaen in Suzaka City, is the only woman among the 43 bonsai masters nationwide. In addition to running her own bonsai shop, she also holds classes across Japan. She teaches a method that "doesn't forcefully change the shape, but instead uses the power of nature to change it," nurturing the roots and soil to bring out the bonsai's inherent power. Matsuyamaen was founded 146 years ago. Her delicate yet bold technique, which embraces the beauty of nature, has attracted attention not only from within Okinawa and beyond, but also from around the world. She has also influenced young people. Harushi Makizaki learned bonsai from Yamamoto and went on to study at the Faculty of Agriculture at Shinshu University to learn more about plants. He says he enjoys observing the process of plants growing rather than seeing the finished product. After graduation, he plans to work in landscaping, and has plans for his own bonsai garden in retirement that are hard to believe for an 18-year-old.