following the great kanto earthquake in 1923, many bonsai growers moved to saitama north of tokyo.he soil here is fertile and offers good drainage. hamano's bonsai nursery has been in business for more than 80 years. but he's worried about the future. he says few children know the joys of bonsai. >> translator: bonsai encapsulates the unique characteristics of japanese culture, which makes it a useful thing to know in their life. >> reporter: saitama is hosting an international bonsai event next year. city officials thought these classes would be a way to get local kids involved. hamana's lessons are passionate and simple. his premise is that bonsai is art. >> translator: an ordinary house plant is just a potted plant. but a bonsai tree reflects your aesthetic sense. >> reporter: each student is working with a red sandalwood, a poplar tree for bonsai. it bears flowers in the spring followed later by berries. is. >> translator: use whichever side you think looks best for the front. >> reporter: once they decide which side is the front, they can begin shaping. >> translator: let's tr