Mr Fujikawa International School of Bonsai

[BrisbaneChris]

Hi,

First time poster with little Bonsai knowledge here, but I lived in Japan for 9 years until last year. The humility you are being advised to show at work will help you a lot in general - be polite and friendly and you will find the Japanese warm and friendly in return. They are in general pretty limited in English, but tend to show interest in foreigners and will go out of their way to help you if they can.

Put your sarcasm away when you go, they won't understand it, it just isn't in their make-up. Always be respectful to those higher up and don't be loud or obnoxious in general and you will find making friends there, even if just one night drinking buddies, pretty easy.

If you have any specific questions let me know, I'll try to answer them, though I lived in Tokyo and only visited Osaka a few times. From a tourist perspective, if you get time go to Osaka aquarium, it is pretty good, and find time to visit Kyoto for the temples etc. The memorial and museum at Hiroshima are also well worth a visit.

Chris

[Scott Roxburgh]

Buy heaps of pots and bring them back to sell to off set some of the costs...I know I'll be able to help your out!

[Chris H]

I have spent a lot of time in Osaka.
I think I have had four trips now.
You will be a fair way out of the centre of town.
It is a fair trip to get to the aquarium.
I would very much go to Kyoto. It is my favourite day trip.
The other day trip good to do is Nara.

[Shannon]

Mr Fujikawa is a great bloke not a strict as others that I've heard about. Me and a mate of mine spent a lot of time at Fujikawa-kouka-en nursery when we were over in Japan and was my favourite nursery not just because of the quality tree's but because of their kind friendly easy going attitude, and the because we got along so well with both the America guy's.
Hopefully Owen Reich is still there he is an American apprentice who has been studying for some time now and has great skill and knowledge to share, and Bjorn who is a regular visitor and he has even more to share.
They have regular you tube uploads and are well worth the look.
http://www.youtube.com/user/bjorvalabonsai

Have fun Billa you will come back a wealth of knowledge! I'm very jealous and wish I was going back in March