| In July 2002, Bjorn was selected to participate in a two-week cultural exchange program to Japan sponsored by Panasonic. During the trip, he was extremely fortunate to visit Fujikawa Kouka-en in Ikeda City, northern Osaka. While at the garden, Bjorn met the owner, Mr. Shoichi Fujikawa who, somewhat jokingly, offered him an apprenticeship position at the nursery if he was to ever consider living in Japan for more than a year. Five years later, after another short visit to the nursery with his father Tom, Bjorn was accepted as a full-time apprentice at Fujikawa Kouka-en set to begin in June 2008. Pictured here are a few examples of the masterpiece bonsai offered at Fujikawa Kouka-en in Ikeda City, Osaka. Please enjoy! |
