
1M
Downloads
236
Episodes
Bonsai Mirai is a company, a place, a practice, an ecosystem of creators. This is our outlet for discussion of all things bonsai and beyond.
Bonsai Mirai is a company, a place, a practice, an ecosystem of creators. This is our outlet for discussion of all things bonsai and beyond.
Episodes

Aug 16, 2019
Bob Pressler & the Ben Oki Juniper
Aug 16, 2019
Aug 16, 2019
1hr 32 min
In this episode of Asymmetry, Ryan sits down with an old friend and pillar of the California Bonsai scene - Bob Pressler of the California Bonsai Society. They dig deep into the roots of California bonsai; Bob moved to California and joined the bonsai scene under the likes of Ben Oki, Harry Hirao, and John Naka. Most importantly, they announce the creation of the Ben Oki Scholarship Foundation, to fuel the education of dedicated bonsai practitioners, funded by the upcoming auction (beginning September 3, 2019) of a stunning juniper collected and created by Ben Oki, most recently styled by Ryan.
To learn more about the Ben Oki Scholarship Foundation, or apply for the scholarship, visit californiabonsaisociety.com.
Hosted by Ryan Neil
Recorded by Michael Lime Allen

Aug 9, 2019
Keegan Uhl
Aug 9, 2019
Aug 9, 2019
1hr 44 min
In this episode of Asymmetry, the tables are turned: Ryan is interviewed by Keegan Uhl, a Los Angeles-based filmmaker, leather crafter, Mirai Live member, and dedicated bonsai practitioner. Enjoy this new perspective on an interview with Ryan, where a Mirai Live student gets to interview the teacher.
Edited by Michael Lime Allen

Aug 2, 2019
Advanced Class: Kokofu 64
Aug 2, 2019
Aug 2, 2019
2hr 31 min
In this episode of Asymmetry, Ryan and a group of Mirai's advanced students dive into the designs, compositions, stories, and histories of trees in the Kokofu 64 album. They critique and analyze this pivotal exhibition year, bringing their own experiences both in bonsai and in life to their discussion of these incredible trees.
Hosted by Ryan Neil
Recorded by Michael Lime Allen

Jul 22, 2019
Jul 22, 2019
1hr 55 min
In this episode of Asymmetry, we take another deep dive into soil science. Soil scientists Casey Ernst and Keisha Wheeler, along with Ian Hunter, discuss the value of compost, and how to use it to create a favorable microclimate in the containerized environment. Casey and Keisha are attempting to create and improve a biodiverse compost - and they could use your help perpetuating biodiversity. Listen to learn more about their groundbreaking projects.
Hosted by Ryan Neil
Recorded by Michael Lime Allen
Casey & Keisha - catalystbioamendments@gmail.com / (775) 220 7305 / www.catalystbioamendments.com
Ian Hunter - curesoilconsulting@gmail.com
Views held by Asymmetry guests are not necessarily endorsed by Bonsai Mirai.

Jul 5, 2019
Soil Science with Ian Hunter - Part Two
Jul 5, 2019
Jul 5, 2019
2hr 31 min
In this episode of Asymmetry, Ryan and Lime circle back for another discussion of soil science with Ian Hunter after a long day of experimentation in the greenhouse. They discuss their findings, plan for the future and realize the vast potential of refining soil biology practices as they related to bonsai; this is truly the next frontier of horticulture.
Hosted by Ryan Neil
Recorded by Michael Lime Allen
Ian Hunter of Cure Soil Consulting - curesoilconsulting@gmail.com
Views espoused by Asymmetry podcast guests are not necessarily endorsed by Bonsai Mirai.
May 31, 2019
Journey to Australia
May 31, 2019
May 31, 2019
1hr 41 min
In this episode of Asymmetry, Ryan debriefs his latest trip to the land down under: Australia. Ryan and Lime discuss the changes in Australia since Ryan's last trip, both to Australia itself and Australian bonsai culture. Of particular interest is the growing use of native Australian species in Australian bonsai; they discuss some nuances of these unique trees, and cover how Australian bonsai is truly maturing and coming into its own. Hosted by Ryan Neil Recorded by Michael Lime Allen
May 24, 2019
The Art of Kimura: Part Five
May 24, 2019
May 24, 2019
1hr 2 min
On perhaps our most ambitious series of episodes yet, Ryan and Mirai student Will Kerns are diving deep into an incredible book: The Bonsai Art of Kimura. This book, a pivotal piece of literature in the bonsai canon, is chock-full of magical trees created by none other than Mr. Masahiko Kimura. Listen as Ryan and Will go page by page through the book–follow along if you have the text–and discuss the evolution, techniques, and history behind these masterful trees. This episode covers pages 146 through the end of the book.
May 24, 2019
The Art of Kimura: Part Four
May 24, 2019
May 24, 2019
57 min
On perhaps our most ambitious series of episodes yet, Ryan and Mirai student Will Kerns are diving deep into an incredible book: The Bonsai Art of Kimura. This book, a pivotal piece of literature in the bonsai canon, is chock-full of magical trees created by none other than Mr. Masahiko Kimura. Listen as Ryan and Will go page by page through the book–follow along if you have the text–and discuss the evolution, techniques, and history behind these masterful trees. This episode covers pages 134-145.
May 24, 2019
The Art of Kimura: Part Two
May 24, 2019
May 24, 2019
58 min
On perhaps our most ambitious series of episodes yet, Ryan and Mirai student Will Kerns are diving deep into an incredible book: The Bonsai Art of Kimura. This book, a pivotal piece of literature in the bonsai canon, is chock-full of magical trees created by none other than Mr. Masahiko Kimura. Listen as Ryan and Will go page by page through the book–follow along if you have the text–and discuss the evolution, techniques, and history behind these masterful trees. This episode covers pages 60-91.
May 24, 2019
The Art of Kimura: Part Three
May 24, 2019
May 24, 2019
1hr 1 min
On perhaps our most ambitious series of episodes yet, Ryan and Mirai student Will Kerns are diving deep into an incredible book: The Bonsai Art of Kimura. This book, a pivotal piece of literature in the bonsai canon, is chock-full of magical trees created by none other than Mr. Masahiko Kimura. Listen as Ryan and Will go page by page through the book–follow along if you have the text–and discuss the evolution, techniques, and history behind these masterful trees. This episode covers pages 92-133.
