Kokufu Bonsai Exhibition catalogues

Those wishing to deepen their understanding of bonsai styling and presentation can learn greatly from studying skilled examples. The Kokufu catalogues provide a solid and reliable point of reference for this purpose.

The Kokufu-Ten Bonsai Catalogue is the official catalogue of Japan’s largest and most prestigious bonsai exhibition, held at the Metropolitan Art Museum in Tokyo. The exhibition is organised by the Nippon Bonsai Association.

Each year, the finest and most refined bonsai in Japan are selected for the country’s premier national exhibition, the Kokufu-ten. The trees are beautifully displayed for visitors from around the world, carefully judged and photographed. Every edition is published as a deluxe photo book featuring all exhibited bonsai in full-colour photography – with more than 200 bonsai per volume, and over 250 displays in the more recent editions.

Published annually since 1934, the Kokufu catalogues document the evolution of Japanese bonsai art across the decades. For this reason, the series has become a valuable collector’s item for those with a deep interest in the aesthetics and history of Japanese bonsai.

Bonsai Plaza offers most editions from number 46 (1971) onwards in its collection. Please note: most volumes are vintage and therefore not in new condition.

Condition by period:

• Editions 1–49 (1934–1975): vintage, used, generally fair condition; books show age and wear (hardcover 10.5" × 7.6")
• Editions 50–69 (1976–1995): vintage, used, fair condition; books show age and wear (hardcover 10.2" × 9.8")
• Editions 70–79 (1996–2005): used, condition fair to good; covers show signs of age and handling, most pages in good condition (hardcover 10.2" × 9.8")
• Editions 80–99 (2006–2025): good condition; covers and dust jackets may show signs of use (hardcover 10.2" × 9.8")