Prior to the public opening on January 20 of the Lake Biwa area's early spring seasonal "Nagahama Bonbaiten," or Nagahama Dwarf Plum Tree Exhibition, a private viewing was held on January 19 at the exhibition venue "Keiunkan" in Minato-cho, Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture. The sweet fragrance of the plum trees scented the air in the hall. Another plum tree bonsai exhibition, "Asai Bonbaiten," also opened at the same time at the community center, "Asai Fureai no Sato" in Uchibo-cho in the same city.

Potted Bonbai were donated by residents, after which the annual exhibitions were begun. The Nagahama exhibition has been held annually since 1952 and the Asai exhibition since 1990.

Approximately 90 potted Bonbai are presented in the Nagahama exhibition. White blossoms have begun to flower on about 20 potted Bonbai, including the white plum tree "Shoryubai," which has been exhibited 59 times consecutively and is estimated to be 250 years old, and the very fragrant "Kanon." Buds on the 400 year-old red plum tree "Furo" have also begun to show their color.

According to a city representative, "The Bonbai in the Nagahama exhibition will be at their peak from around this weekend, and those in the Asai exhibition around the beginning of February." Bonbai will be rotated during the exhibitions. They will continue until March 10. There is an admission fee.