The Albuquerque Bonsai Club began in January 1975. By 1979, it had grown, and the first Bonsai master, Ben Oki, was invited to conduct a bonsai workshop. Since then, other Bonsai masters have presented workshops in Bonsai culture in Albuquerque. Other Masters, including John Naka, Chase Rosade, Jim Barrett, Hal Sasake, Toshio Subaromaru, Mel Ikeda, Ray Nagatoshi,and Ernie Kuo have visited Albuquerque and enriched the club members knowledge of Bonsai.