While bonsai has its origins in Japan and is strongly associated with Japanese culture, it is not exclusively a Japanese form of art. Bonsai-like practices and techniques have been employed in various forms and cultures throughout history. China, for example, had a similar tradition known as “penjing,” which involved cultivating miniature landscapes and trees. Additionally, other countries and cultures have developed their own interpretations of miniature tree cultivation.

Today, bonsai is a global hobby and art form, and enthusiasts from around the world participate in its practice. Various styles and species of trees are used, and each region may have its unique approach to bonsai. So, while it has strong Japanese roots, it has transcended cultural boundaries and is appreciated and practiced internationally.