Japanese Kunzo Nishihata is affectionately called the “Plant Master” for his unparalleled expertise in cultivating rare tropical plants.
And his greenhouse, located in Hyogo Prefecture near Osaka, is considered as the ultimate destination for passionate plant lovers.
With the upcoming Horti Filipina-International Plant Show 2025, plant enthusiasts will be given the opportunity to interact with the Nishihata – up-close and personal – at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, where he will be featured in a special meet-and-greet with attendees on Feb. 21.
At this event, the “Plant Master” will be sharing his wide knowledge of horticulture.
And among the experiences he would be able to share is how he has maintained his popular greenhouse, which stands as a living testimony to biodiversity, housing an array of rare plant species.
Among his most prized specimens is the white-variegated Monstera Deliciosa, a plant that has garnered admiration for its unique beauty.
In a feature story of Tokyo online magazine Sabukaru on the Japanese horticulture icon, it was discloded that Nishihata’s collection boasts a variety he named 'Yellow Marilyn Kunzo,' inspired by the iconic Hollywood actress Marilyn Monroe, due to its yellow variegation and "sexy look."
The Japanese plant icon found himself at the forefront of green renaissance during the global pandemic after the popularity of indoor plants went on a surge.
The Sabukaru report also said Nishihata's "fame transcended the horticultural community, leading to collaborations with renowned brands like Supreme New York, which featured him in a promotional campaign. This partnership highlighted the intersection of nature and fashion, showcasing Kunzo's influence beyond traditional plant circles."
But more than the plants he had nurtured, it is the man behind these masterpieces that will definitely be among the highlights at the Horti Filipina-International Plant Show 2025.
Nishihata possesses charm and deep knowledge of the horticulture worlds that has enthralled his followers as he is known to enthusiastically share insights and stories about his botanical treasures.
After all, his journey is deeply rooted in a family legacy of horticulture. He hails from a lineage of plant enthusiasts, with his family business, Hanau Plant Company, boasting over 150 years of experience in the field. This rich heritage provided him with the foundation and the unique vision and passion that guided him in his career.
Beyond his greenhouse, Kunzo has embarked on numerous projects that showcase his versatility and commitment to sharing the beauty of plants with a broader audience. One notable endeavor was the Greatest Christmas Tree project in Kobe, Japan, in 2017. This initiative involved erecting a 30-meter tree, attracting 1.4 million visitors and symbolizing hope and unity during the holiday season.
Another Instagram report noted that Kunzo's influence also extends internationally.
"In 2016, he was commissioned by the Singapore government to showcase cherry blossoms as a symbol of Japan, commemorating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Japan. Despite the challenges of transporting and ensuring the timely blooming of cherry trees in Singapore's tropical climate, Kunzo's expertise ensured a stunning display, earning admiration from dignitaries and the public alike," it said.
In recognition of his contributions to horticulture, a beautiful vegetative sport of Tillandsia xerographica was named 'Hanauchu-Kunzo Nishihata' in his honor. This cultivar features scurfed, arching, grey-green leaves with clear creamy-white variegation and a well-branched inflorescence with creamy yellow pointed "paddles." The name reflects both his personal and professional identity, with "Hanauchu" translating to "flower universe," a fitting tribute to his expansive influence in the plant world.
The Horti Filipina-International Plant Show 2025 will be staged from Feb. 21 to Feb. 23 at Halls 1 to 4 of the SMX Convention Center.