I took the picture (above) at the 2005 international bonsai convention which was held in Washington, D.C. At that time, I overheard a few people remark that the 'Yamaki' pine tree that was on display at the new outdoor display area was not very interesting or could be improved in many ways. I, however, shudder at such thoughts.
The 'Yamaki' pine should be evaluated on its aesthetic merits and as an historical artifact. How could anyone not be moved by the fact that this majestic tree has survived an atomic blast and flourishes to this day? This tree has been in training since the beginning of the Tokugawa period of Japan; a time when Japan closed it's doors to western society for over two hundred and fifty years. This tree was developed over the many generations by a society that had very little contact with the west and could be viewed as a work of art that expresses an almost pure Japanese aesthetic.
Though the argument could be made that, through judicious pruning and development, the tree's aesthetic qualities could be enhanced, I would never recommend such a thing because it would be reinterpreting a history developed separately from that of the west.