In case you missed it, the Yamaki Pine and World Bonsai Day at the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum at the U.S. National Arboretum were featured on @npr! Listen and read the piece at the link in our bio. (fb)

This year at the PBA Festival / World Bonsai Day Celebration we celebrated the 400th anniversary of the Yamaki Pine, also known as the Peace Tree, which stands as a powerful symbol of resilience, peace, and friendship. We marked the occasion with a formal tea toast led by Dr. Richard Olsen, Center Director of the U.S. National Arboretum, and Ambassador Shigeo Yamada, the Ambassador of Japan. This meaningful recognition added a moment of elegance and quiet reflection to a busy, joy-filled day. We are grateful for the specialty Japanese tea service provided by local DC @teaism_dc. Alongside Dr. Olsen and the Ambassador, we were honored to welcome a remarkable group of speakers and special guests whose presence elevated the spirit and significance of the event: Ambassador James Zumwalt, Chairman, Japan-America Society Ben de Guzman, Director, Mayor’s Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs Le Ann Duling, President, Potomac Bonsai Association Aaron Stratten, Immediate Past President, Potomac Bonsai Association Michael James, Curator, National Bonsai & Penjing Museum We are deeply grateful to them for joining us this year to share their thoughtful reflections on the art and practice of bonsai around the world. Pictured: L to R: Aaron Stratten, past president of the Potomac Bonsai Association; Ambassador James Zumwalt, Chairman, Japan-America Society; Ambassador Shigeo Yamada, the Ambassador of Japan; Dr. Richard Olsen, Center Director of the U.S. National Arboretum; Michael James, Curator, National Bonsai & Penjing Museum; Ben de Guzman, Director, Mayor’s Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs (fb)