Hitachi Bonsai Challenge · Africa
Shaping the
Future.
Where innovation meets Japanese tradition. Discover the fascination and precision of the art of bonsai.
Webinar recording
Nurturing growth:
Bonsai care & partner success
Your bonsai is growing. Let's take the next step together.
Join Russ Alexander and Bonsai Doctor Carl Morrow for our live webinar. Discover how to recognise healthy growth, give your tree the right nutrients and tackle common challenges to keep your bonsai thriving. We also explore the latest Hitachi Vantara partner programmes, resources and opportunities to help your business grow alongside your bonsai. Keep growing. Stay connected.
The speakers
RA
Russ Alexander
Hitachi Vantara
CM
Dr Carl Morrow
Bonsai Doctor
What the webinar covers
✓
How to recognise healthy growth in your bonsai.
✓
Giving your tree the right nutrients.
✓
Tackling common challenges to keep your bonsai thriving.
✓
The latest Hitachi Vantara partner programmes, resources and opportunities.
The Hitachi Bonsai Challenge
Growth in the Japanese spirit.
This challenge stands for patience, precision and continuous growth. Bonsai and Hitachi share more than an aesthetic, they share a philosophy.
The art of bonsai
All participants receive a genuine Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) bonsai, complete with instructions. With its delicate leaves, elegant growth form and excellent tolerance to pruning, it is one of the most popular trees in bonsai design.
Over the course of a year, your tree will grow, take shape and continue to evolve. We award points for engagement, creativity and visible development, and recognise outstanding contributions with attractive prizes.
Hitachi's Japanese spirit
和
Harmony
Respect and open collaboration, within the team and with partners.
誠
Sincerity
Reliable and honest: a handshake still counts.
開拓
Pioneering spirit
Boldly creating new things that give back to society.
Your Bonsai Challenge journey
01
Registration and bonsai collection
Register with a valid address and attend the Hitachi Africa Partner Day to receive your complimentary bonsai. The tree is intended for outdoor care.
02
Care and development
Regular care tips, expert insights and updates on standings and prizes support you throughout the year.
03
Community and participation
Share photos of your bonsai and join our social media activities. Active engagement earns points that count towards the prizes.
Care guide
Repotting made simple.
Mid to late September is the ideal time to repot your tree.
In this time-lapse, bonsai expert Carl Morrow shows you step by step how to repot your tree.
01
Roots
Loosen and trim the roots.
02
Potting
Position the tree, add soil and water thoroughly.
03
Aftercare
A warm, semi-shaded spot, sheltered from wind and harsh sun.
▶ Expert time-lapse · 0:56 min
Scoring system
How to collect points.
Every action counts. Here is what earns you the most points at a glance.
+20
Take part in a special challenge
+15
Submit a photo of your bonsai when requested by email
+10
Share the monthly challenge post on your profile
+6
Comment on the monthly post
+3
Per correctly answered quiz question
+3
Click a link in the challenge email
+2
Take part in a quiz round (3 questions per round)
+2
Like the monthly challenge post
+1
Open the challenge email (automatic)
Send photos only to africa@hitachi-bonsai-challenge.com. Details of special challenges are announced when each one starts.
Leaderboard
The current standings.
Overall ranking · as of 14.10.2026
1
Rank 1
Fukujyu
Makwa IT Technologies PTY (Ltd)
6
Points
1
Rank 1
Gray
Amcotec
6
Points
1
Rank 1
Diana
Hiperdist Kenya Ltd
6
Points
1
Willem
Tectight Enterprise Technologies
6
–
1
Begraweman Minnaar
Datacentrix
6
–
1
LAWRENCE LEFIFI
Moretele Local Municipality
6
–
1
RinRin
Tarsus Distribution
6
–
1
Inge
Bizmod
6
–
Attractive prizes for your engagement
Growth that pays off.
The three participants with the most points at the end of the challenge win a Hitachi-organized experience event. The events can be chosen from a selection of suitable experiences, ideal for a team event, a shared activity or a special experience.
2
2nd place
$1,000
Event voucher
1
1st place
$1,500
Event voucher
3
3rd place
$500
Event voucher
Just as with bonsai, patience, engagement and continuous development pay off here too. Those who actively participate and show progress throughout the year have the best chances of winning one of the main prizes.
