Japan: Tulip pioneer’s legacy still in bloom 50 years later
The young man, Bunzo Mizuno (1898-1968), who pioneered the growing of tulips in the prefecture, came to be called the “father of tulips.”
Mizuno was a skinny kid with a weak constitution nicknamed “waribashi” (dispensable chopsticks), according to Ayako Watanabe, a curator at the Tonami Provincial Museum.
After failing an examination for conscription, he tried, with no avail, to work away from home. Mizuno then decided to take a chance on growing tulips as a business in his hometown.
In his late 30s, Mizuno started exporting tulips to the United States. His export venture took off after he succeeded in growing varieties with vivid colors that were popular among American consumers.
Read more at The Asahi Shimbun