Our History

Sei Boku Bonsai Kai was founded in 1983 in San Mateo, California, by Bob Kato, a respected nurseryman and owner of Kato Garden Center, together with 18 fellow bonsai enthusiasts. In addition to establishing Sei Boku, Bob co-founded the Hillsborough Bonsai Society and the San Francisco Bonsai Club, served as an instructor and demonstrator for numerous groups, and held a board position with the Golden State Bonsai Federation. His lifelong dedication to teaching and community involvement continues to shape and inspire our club today.

We also take pride in the contributions of our founder, Bob Kato, who designed the Golden State Bonsai Federation logo depicting a double-trunk bonsai.

Our club logo features the renowned Japanese bonsai “Michishiba,” a tree that is more than 100 years old. Over the course of its history, Michishiba has had several owners and is now cared for by the esteemed bonsai master Mr. Masahiko Kimura. For those interested in learning more, the tree’s story is detailed in Bonsai Today, Volume 35. 

Our name and motto reflect our identity: Sei Boku Bonsai Kai translates to “Green Tree Bonsai Club,” and we proudly call ourselves “The Club That Cares.” Since its inception, Sei Boku has been committed to educating members and the broader community in the artistry and joy of bonsai (pronounced bone sigh).

The word bonsai means “tray planting” and represents the Japanese refinement of the ancient Chinese art of penjing. While penjing traditionally portrays entire landscapes, the Japanese approach—practiced by Sei Boku—focuses on cultivating individual trees that capture the beauty, balance, and character of their full-sized counterparts.

For many, bonsai offers more than a hobby; it provides a meaningful escape from the demands of modern life. The practice combines patience, creativity, and respect for nature, allowing practitioners to shape living trees into artful miniatures that mirror the grace of the natural world.