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John Naka (August 16, 1914 - May 19, 2004) was born John Yoshio Naka in Ft. Lupton, Colorado. He was born a second-generation Japanese-American, but soon moved back to his parents' home country where he extensively studied the art of bonsai, due to his grandfather's influence. He moved back to the US, this time settling in California, and became a very important force to American bonsai art in the 1950s-60's. In Orange County, Naka founded a bonsai club, which is today known as the California Bonsai Society. Naka was a driving force in the spread of bonsai appreciation and the practice of bonsai art in the West. He published two books, texts that as revered as being the bible of Western bonsai to many artists; these books are titled Bonsai Techniques and Bonsai Techniques II. Naka's most recognizable work is named Goshin, which means protector spirit. It is a group planting of eleven foemina junipers, each tree placed to represent one of Naka's grandchildren. The stunning planting can be seen on display at the National Aboretum. Naka died on May 19, 2004, but his legacy lives on in the bonsai community in America.
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