Ottawa Bonsai Society: Bonsai Expo 2026
2026/9/13
On September 12th and 13th, the Embassy of Japan and Ottawa Bonsai Society (OBS) co-hosted the Bonsai Expo 2026 at the Information and Culture Centre.
OBS was established in 1984 and presently has more than 80 members. For their 21st exhibition at the Embassy, nearly 1,000 people visited and appreciated about 35 beautiful bonsai trees including one estimated to be 300 years old.
At the opening ceremony on September 12th, Ambassador-designate Masashi Nakagome thanked OBS for their dedication in promoting interest in bonsai in Ottawa. He compared bonsai trees to diplomacy, as both require attentive and diligent care and stated that the friendly relationship between Japan and Canada are the result of the efforts of many people over a long period and wished to further deepen the relationship toward the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2028.
Mr. Vianney Leduc, President of OBS, also expressed his gratitude for the Embassy’s support of the Society over the years.
On both days, demonstrations were offered by OBS members. Detailed step-by-step explanation was provided while interacting with the participants to decide which side would be the front of the bonsai and which branches would be pruned. Wiring to create the shape of the trees was also demonstrated, and the participants showed deep interest in observing how the store-bought material gradually transformed into bonsai.
Some of the exhibited bonsai works
Also, for the first time this year, visitors could vote for their favorite works, and many people participated. The results announced after the exhibition were as follows.
OBS was established in 1984 and presently has more than 80 members. For their 21st exhibition at the Embassy, nearly 1,000 people visited and appreciated about 35 beautiful bonsai trees including one estimated to be 300 years old.
At the opening ceremony on September 12th, Ambassador-designate Masashi Nakagome thanked OBS for their dedication in promoting interest in bonsai in Ottawa. He compared bonsai trees to diplomacy, as both require attentive and diligent care and stated that the friendly relationship between Japan and Canada are the result of the efforts of many people over a long period and wished to further deepen the relationship toward the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2028.
Mr. Vianney Leduc, President of OBS, also expressed his gratitude for the Embassy’s support of the Society over the years.
On both days, demonstrations were offered by OBS members. Detailed step-by-step explanation was provided while interacting with the participants to decide which side would be the front of the bonsai and which branches would be pruned. Wiring to create the shape of the trees was also demonstrated, and the participants showed deep interest in observing how the store-bought material gradually transformed into bonsai.
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| Ambassador-designate Nakagome delivering his opening remarks |
Mr. Leduc, president of OBS giving his remarks |
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| Ambassador-designate Nakagome receiving a tour by Mr. Leduc |
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Some of the exhibited bonsai works
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| Visitors appreciating bonsai trees |
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| Demonstration on September 12th | Demonstration on September 13th |
First Place - Eastern White Cedar
Second Place - Yew
Tied for Third - Japanese Maple
Tied for Third - Juniper
Fifth Place - Larch Forrest
Second Place - Yew
Tied for Third - Japanese Maple
Tied for Third - Juniper
Fifth Place - Larch Forrest
— Embassy of Japan in Canada (@JapaninCanada) September 15, 2026