About the Project
JinShari aims to expand the Japanese Bonsai culture to the world
and pass it on to the next generation.
Our Core Principles
VISION
Spreading the 'imagination towards nature' cultivated by the Japanese to the world.
MISSION
Building a Bonsai database and providing optimal aftercare.
VALUE
Transforming the tacit knowledge of Bonsai into explicit knowledge through AI technology.
Vision: Bringing the "imagination towards nature" to the world
Our goal is to spread the "imagination towards nature", which the Japanese have nurtured over a long history, to people all around the world.
01.Delivering an "experience that expands imagination"
What we want to deliver is not just a tree management system, but an "experience that expands the imagination".
We believe that the true thrill of experiencing a culture lies in deeply delving into the essence behind superficial phenomena and enjoying the "fun of interpretation" through imagination. Especially in Japanese culture, as symbolized by Zeami's "If it is hidden, it is the Flower (Hisureba Hana)", much is left to the viewer's imagination. At the same time, Zeami also preaches the importance of "standing in the audience's perspective (Riken no Ken)".
We want to use AI as a "translator" to navigate beginners through this profound world. For example, when observing the branching of a Bonsai, we provide new perspectives and insights by encouraging you to ponder the stories and metaphors behind it.
02.Bringing Bonsai to the world with the depth of "Japanese Culture"
Currently, Bonsai is widely loved around the world as "BONSAI", but much of it remains enjoyed simply as a "potted plant" and it is hard to say that it is enjoyed with the deep spirituality and aesthetics originally inherently part of "Japanese culture". In fact, in a survey conducted overseas, only a minority answered that they were interested in Japanese culture.
Bonsai condenses many aesthetics common to other Japanese cultures, and by experiencing other elements of Japanese culture, one’s eyes for appreciating Bonsai will also be cultivated. This is similar to how the understanding of German music is greatly deepened through an understanding of German literature and philosophy.
For example, by learning about Japanese aesthetics such as the "aesthetics of subtraction" in Noh, and the "view of impermanence (Mujo-kan)" seen in classical literature (Hojoki, The Pillow Book, Tsurezuregusa, etc.), the way Bonsai is viewed deepens dramatically, bringing new emotional impact.
In this way, using Bonsai as an entryway, we also hope to contribute to sharing the rich Japanese culture itself with the world.
Our Relationship with Bonsai
Bonsai goes beyond the realm of a mere hobby; it is deeply connected to a "lifestyle" itself.
Checking its condition every morning, entrusting its care to someone reliable when leaving home, and naturally thinking of tree shapes when walking along a mountain path. We believe Bonsai offers an experience where life becomes richer with it at the center—from everyday perspectives to how we connect with people.
The Charm of Bonsai as We See It
In a modern world where everything is consumed at high speed, we find unprecedented value in the experience of nurturing and appreciating a single existence over decades.
Rather than ending with temporary, superficial stimulation, taking many years to converse, interpret, and grow together. That is exactly where a rich time exists that cannot be obtained anywhere else.
Because we live in a rapidly changing modern era, touching an existence that lives longer than ourselves—something that has continued for a long time—we are convinced that it will become an unwavering spiritual pillar that supports your humanity and character.
What is JinShari?
DEFINITION
- Jin (ジン): The dead and bleached parts of a Bonsai's branch tips.
- Shari (シャリ): The dead and bleached parts of the trunk.
They are known by enthusiasts worldwide as concepts encapsulating the essence of Bonsai, such as life and death, the art of time, and sculptural beauty.
In the English-speaking world, both are often referred to as "Bonsai Deadwood", or simply Jin and Shari.
Why did the Japanese separate Jin and Shari?
One theory suggests that Jin represents "Kami" (God)—that is, pride, mystery, and awe toward nature. Shari means "Shari" (the remains of Buddha), which by extension points to the strength of living despite having faced numerous crises on the verge of death, finding the preciousness of life.
The Japanese find a "story" rather than merely "death", and we believe that this perspective is exactly the fascinating aspect of the interpretation (metaphor) of Japanese culture that we wish to deliver to the world.
Background Story
Today, Bonsai culture has crossed the borders of Japan and is loved by many around the world as "Bonsai". Active information exchange occurs daily within communities on social networks, and this passion continues to grow.
On the other hand, the domestic Bonsai industry faces challenges. For those newly starting out in Bonsai, the gateway into its profound world is not always wide open. The difficulty of cultivation management and the acquisition of a design aesthetic remain high hurdles for many beginners.
We hope to solve these issues through the fusion of technology and tradition. To support the Bonsai carefully grown by individuals, and to deliver the wisdom cultivated in Japan to the world. By doing so, we envision a future where this beautiful culture is passed down to the next generation without losing its essence, even as it changes form.
Current Status of the Project
JinShari is currently in the seed stage.
Together with a few enthusiastic members, we are proceeding with service development and
building a network with collaborators.
We hope to nurture this new challenge alongside everyone who loves Bonsai.