Masahiko Kimura is a Japanese bonsai artist famous for pioneering the ‘bonsai forest’ trend, in which several bonsai trees are planted on interlocking wood or stone slates, forming tiny, whimsical forests.

Kimura started out in the world of bonsai art at the age of 15, as an apprentice to bonsai master Motosuke Hamano, at Toju-en Bonsai Garden in Saitama, Japan. After 11 years, a young Masahiko Kimura decides to pursue bonsai art on his own, and ends up creating some of the most controversial bonsai artworks ever. It’s hard to refer to bonsai art as ‘controversial’, but Kimura’s style did ruffle a few feathers among purists of the art at first, as many of them considered that he was breaking too many of the craft’s ancient traditions.

Despite facing criticism from many of his peers, Masahiko Kimura didn’t give up on his personal vision of bonsai art. Instead he continued integrating elements like deadwood, rock slates, as well as several bonsai trees. Traditionally, a single tree or shrub was planted in a container, so his style was interpreted as breaking with tradition.

Eventually, Kimura was recognized as an innovator and today he is considered one of the most influential contemporary bonsai artists.

Masahiko Kimura created his original bonsai forest, entitled Hinoki Forest, more than 20 years ago; it remains his most famous composition, as it literally changed the ancient art form. The talented artist has created dozens of other gravity-defying bonsai forests, most of which are instantly recognized as ‘Kimuras’ by fans of bonsai art.

At 80-years-old, Masahiko Kimura is as active as ever, continuing to hold exhibitions and demonstrations, and publish articles on the art of bonsai.

For more amazing Japanese plant art, check out these stunning miniature gardens created in the back of pickup trucks.