RESOBOX, based in New York City, offers a wide range of cultural classes to share the beauty of Japanese traditional arts. On August 13, 2024, we hosted a special bonsai class for employees of GumGum, a tech company headquartered in New York. The participants enjoyed this refreshing experience of trying traditional Japanese horticulture while basking in the pleasant breeze on GumGum’s open rooftop.

GumGum is an AI-driven contextual intelligence company providing solutions for the advertising and media industries through image recognition and natural language processing technologies. This class was a delightful opportunity for RESOBOX to offer employees of GumGum, who continuously bring innovation to the advertising world, a chance to unwind and focus through the meditative art of bonsai.

The class was led by Julian Velasco, a renowned bonsai artist. With over a decade of experience, Julian manages a collection of over 400 bonsai trees as the curator of the Bonsai Museum at Brooklyn Botanic Garden. His delicate techniques and exceptional artistry have made him a highly sought-after instructor at RESOBOX’s bonsai workshops.

During this session, participants learned the basics of bonsai care, cultivation techniques, and the cultural essence of bonsai as a reflection of Japanese aesthetics. As they pruned branches and shaped their bonsai trees in the open-air setting, some remarked, “It’s fascinating and moving to see how such a tiny tree embodies a microcosm of nature.” Even within the short session, participants deepened their appreciation for the art of bonsai. This experience offered a moment of focus and a connection to the natural beauty of Japan as well as the surrounding rooftop greenery.

RESOBOX will continue to expand its diverse lineup of Japanese cultural experiences in New York, bringing the richness of Japanese traditions to an even wider audience.