A thorough explanation of the bonsai brand "Akaishi Goyomatsu"
The Akaishi Goyomatsu, which grows naturally in the Akaishi mountain range around Higashi Akaishi Mountain (1706m) in Doi-cho, Shikokuchuo City, Ehime Prefecture, is a five-leaf pine that has been growing naturally since ancient times. As of December 4, 1957, it was designated as a natural monument by Ehime Prefecture as one of the municipal properties of the Akaishi Mine.
Goyomatsu continues to grow wild in the magnificent nature
The steep slopes of the Akaishi mountain range are home to a vast untouched forest of the original Goyomatsu species, along with Asunaro, Kometsuga, and Dodansatsuji. The tens of thousands of native Goyomatsu have been growing for hundreds of years, and with their patterns, cliffs, jin, and shari, there is a sense that all the samples of bonsai tree forms have been gathered here. It has been known since the Tokugawa era and is highly prized by the bonsai society. It has been growing along the cliffs from the slightest cracks in the steep cliffs, and has survived the harsh winds and snow, and still maintains its noble form.
The characteristic shape and nature of the tree make it the king of bonsai.
Akaishi Goyomatsu is also known as "Himekomatsu" because of its short, fine leaves and graceful shape. Other pine trees have two leaves, but the five-leaf pine has five leaves.
It is strong and can be trained in a variety of ways. It has a very good budburst, and as mentioned above, the foliage is bright green with a dark silver line on the underside of the leaves, and grows well packed.
It is a very popular species for pine bonsai because of its beautiful form, growth characteristics, and ease of management.
Among bonsai artists, it is said that "bonsai begins and ends with Goyomatsu.
If the majestic Black Pine, one of the most representative types of pine, is the "king of bonsai," the five-leaf pine, with its fine foliage and graceful appearance, can be called the "queen of bonsai".
The Queen of Bonsai
In the Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters) (compiled by Taian Manpo in 712), it is written that when Izanagi no Mikoto and Izanami no Mikoto gave birth to the country, the country of Iyo was called Aihime, the goddess who dwells in the country of Iyo.
It is said that "Aihime" has the meaning of a pretty princess or a beautiful princess, and "Ehime" was transformed from "Aihime".
The original species called "Himekomatsu", the place name "Ehime Prefecture", and the Akaishi Goyomatsu, which seems to embody softness and feminine suppleness. The name of the species, the name of the prefecture, and the graceful form of the Akaishi Goyomatsu make it a natural choice to be called the "Queen of Bonsai".
Keeping the original species alive
The Akaishi Goyomatsu has been in its original state since ancient times, forming a virgin forest. The fact that it is still in a beautiful condition in Akaishi Mountain is the result of the efforts of local vigilantes who have been patrolling the area day and night since around 1955, taking every possible measure to protect it from what could be called man-made disasters, such as the overharvesting of seeds and the cutting down of trees.
Even today, the members of the Akaishi Goyomatsu Bonsai Association are working hard to cultivate the highest quality Akaishi Goyomatsu, utilizing the traditions and rich experience of the past.
Bonsai is the epitome of nature, projecting the natural tree and even the landscape around the tree onto the tray.
The Goyomatsu bonsai is the epitome of the primeval forest of Akaishi Mountain. Akaishi Goyomatsu, the queen of bonsai, is a delicate and graceful tree with a strong core, which is a reflection of the virgin forest protected by the local people.
Characteristics of Akaishi Goyomatsu
・Foliage is bright green.
・The silver line on the underside of the leaves is dark.
・It grows well packed.
・The trunk surface has a tendency to show its age early.
・Very good bud break.
・Beautiful shape
