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John Naka (August 16, 1914 - May 19, 2004) was born John Yoshio Naka in Ft. Lupton, Colorado. He was born a second-generation Japanese-American, but soon moved back to his parents' home country where he extensively studied the art of bonsai, due to his grandfather's influence. He moved back to the US, this time settling in California, and became a very important force in American bonsai art in the 1950s-60's. In Orange County, Naka founded a bonsai club, which is known today as the California Bonsai Society. Naka was a driving force in the spread of bonsai appreciation and the practice of bonsai art in the West. He published two books, entitled Bonsai Techniques and Bonsai Techniques II, texts that are revered as being the bibles of western bonsai to many artists. Naka's most recognizable work is Goshin, which means protector spirit. It is a group planting of eleven foemina junipers, each tree placed to represent one of Naka's grandchildren. The planting can be seen on display at the National Arboretum.
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