Naka Memorial Exhibition
A select, juried bonsai show in Southern California
August 22nd-23rd
11 AM – 4 PM
Official Donation Page (click here)
Please see this page on how you can support us (click here)
01
About
The Naka Memorial Exhibition is a juried bonsai show based in Southern California. It has historically been held each August at the George J. Doizaki Gallery. It is comprised of individual practitioners and hobbyists who contribute significant effort time to share their love of bonsai with the public.
The exhibit will be held in August, in conjunction with the Nisei Week Festival at JACCC.
02
Mission Statement and History
The Naka Memorial Exhibition, previously known as the Nanpukai show, was originally a select exhibit of trees held by John Naka’s study group. During his generation, he succeeded in increasing the exposure of bonsai in America and more broadly in the west. The legacy of this exhibit was intended to reflect a culmination of his knowledge and those he had mentored.
Going forward several decades bonsai has significantly matured in the US. There are many more professionals who’ve returned from formal apprenticeships in Japan, as well as accessible sources of information and instruction. Despite the many changes and growth which has occurred within bonsai, the original intentions for love and pursuit of this art have remained the same. Bonsai, which embodies the concept of time, is able to tie together an appreciation of nature, age, and beauty. By exhibiting trees which best embody these values, the Naka Memorial Exhibit hopes to showcase excellence in bonsai and inspire the community to grow further.
Additionally we would like to credit Ted Matson, bonsai curator of the Huntington Gardens, who as the last exhibit chair continued the legacy and preservation of this exhibit so that current generations can still participate.
03
Location
The Naka Memorial Exhibit is hosted at the JACCC George J. Doizaki Gallery. Since it’s opening in 1980, it has been the host site of many exhibits showcasing contemporary and traditional arts of both Japanese and Japanese American origin. The gallery space boasts 2000 square feet of clean walls and a vaulted concrete ceiling to provide a beautiful and focused experience.
Currently this gallery space is able to accommodate approximately 30 full formalized display spaces. In prior years this exhibit focused solely on the tree with individual pedestals. Due to storage complications, this is no longer possible. Now space will be allocated to best accentuate accepted trees in clean 6 ft span.
Below are a sample of submissions from the 2025 exhibition!
photo credit: Mike Park 2023
04
Submissions
The Naka Memorial Exhibit is a juried exhibition where jurors will help select the best trees out of the available submission pool. This means we need your help to make this show the best it can be! 2026 jurors TBA. Please see this link for submission instructions: Submissions
Trees will be displayed on 6 or 8 ft tables in a formal setting utilizing stands and accents.
05
People
Exhibit Chair and Juror
Julian Tsai
Full time bonsai professional, formally apprenticed at Fujikawa Kouka-en in Osaka, JP. Experience furthered by study with John Wang and Peter Tea. Full bio in link.
Co-chair and Juror
Ryan Pitts
Ryan studied with Sensei David Nguy at Bonsai Jidai, and is the President of Chino Bonsai Club
Juror
Seth Nelson
Full Nippon Bonsai Association certified professional. Seth completed an apprentiship at Aichi-en and is active bonsai professional.
Juror
Caroline “Caz” Scott
Caz is a bonsai professional based in the UK. With over 30 years of hands-on experience, her practice is rooted in deep horticultural knowledge, artistic sensitivity, and a lifelong commitment to learning.
Juror
Fred Miyahara
Fred is a longtime teacher, practitioner, and patron of the Southern California and greater American bonsai scene. He learned from the late and great Mas Ishii and has supported many generations of hobbyists and professionals.
Fundraising
NA
N/A
Media and Photography
NA
NA
Promotional Chair
Mark Britton
N/A
Member at Large
To be filled
N/A
06
Contact Form
Please fill the contact form on the left for any inquiries or concerns. Thank you!
*We are currently looking for more volunteers, exhibitor interest, and donors for the 2026 exhibit. Tax deductible donations can be sent directly to JACCC, a 501(c)(3), on our behalf.
Please see this link for more information on current exhibit goals: John Naka Memorial Exhibit–Past Legacy and the Future