Inside The New York Botanical Garden

Kodai Nakazawa

NYBG’s Former Kiku Expert Takes Top Billing as Shinjuku Gyoen’s Chrysanthemum Chief

Posted in People on January 11 2016, by Matt Newman

Kodai Nakazawa
Kodai Nakazawa

The New York Botanical Garden‘s Kiku exhibition, our semi-annual display of meticulously trained Japanese chrysanthemums, has earned a devoted following among Garden visitors over the years. And behind the serene beauty of the exhibition and its astonishing display of skill is the legacy of Kodai Nakazawa, a kiku prodigy who for several years oversaw the demanding work that went into each and every bloom in our show. His expertise influenced the exhibition’s entire team, and it shows month after month, year after year, as they continue to work these simple flowers into stunning botanical sculptures.

Today, Nakazawa is back in Japan, raising a family and enjoying success as one of the country’s greatest chrysanthemum masters.

He was recently rewarded for his years of discipline and artistry with the honor of being promoted to kiku chief at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden in Shinjuku and Shibuya, Tokyo—his alma mater, so to speak. As one of the premier destinations for chrysanthemum-lovers the world over, it’s quite the recognition. We’re all beyond proud of Kodai, and grateful for the years that we spent with him here at NYBG!

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Morning Eye Candy: Specialized

Posted in Around the Garden, Photography on August 6 2013, by Matt Newman

Kodai Nakazawa’s tools are as integral to his work as the know-how he puts behind them. Last week, I teased his efforts in the Nolen Greenhouses for Living Collections as the return of a Garden favorite. And those who chimed in were right—Kiku is coming! We’ll have more for you in the coming weeks as we draw nearer to this meticulously prepared Japanese chrysanthemum exhibition.

If you appreciate the implements of a specialized artform as much as I do, you’ll understand why these leaf cutters—with their subtle dimensional differences—are so fascinating.

Tools of the Trade

Photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen