Toichi Domoto
A Japanese-American nurseryman’s life in California: floriculture and family, 1883-1992
With Introductions by Julius Nuccio and Ernest Wertheim
Interviews Conducted by Suzanne B. Riess in 1992
The Bancroft Library
University of California, Berkeley
http://tinyurl.com/4ohuw6
Copy at http://sazanka.org/pages/toichi_domoto
This sasanqua cultivar, ‘Dwarf Shishi’, was originated by Toichi Domoto in 1988:
It is excellent for bonsai.
Also I found a very likely photo pictures of Toichi Domoto (need to check with Tom Nuccio) on http://tinyurl.com/4795g8. I am almost sure this is the same one (born 1902, high school in East Bay):
Another mention (click to enlarge):
This is probably his sister (click to enlarge):
Great blog, photos and articles. Very informative. Thank you for sharing and keep up the great work. Rick
Reply
Hello,
I’m a Japanese man living in California.
When I was looking camellia photos on Sunset Western Garden Book, I found a beautiful red camellia.
I wanted this sazanka(Camellia sasanqua in Japanes name), so I went to the nursery shop near my home.
I found the Camellia hiemalis ‘Shishi-Gashira’ at the nursery. Well, I was a liitle confused because the Sunset Western Garden Book printed Camellia sasanqua ‘Dwarf Shishi’ as Camellia hiemalis ‘Shishi-Gashira’.
When I came back to my home, I started check the internet.
What I learned was Camellia hiemalis ‘Shishi-Gashira’ and Camellia sasanqua ‘Dwarf Shishi’ are different varieties.
According to your site, Camellia sasanqua ‘Dwarf Shishi’ was originated by Toichi Domoto(born California in 1902) in 1988.
I’m glad to find out the real information about Cammelia sasanqua ‘Dwarf Shishi’.
I surmise Toichi Domoto’s last name in Japanese is 土本/土元（どもとdomoto/also pronounce tsuchimoto).
Another possibility is 堂本(どうもとdoumoto).
Thank you.
Reply
Hello,
I’m a Japanese man living in California.
When I was looking camellia photos on Sunset Western Garden Book, I found a beautiful red camellia.
I wanted this sazanka(Camellia sasanqua in Japanes name), so I went to the nursery shop near my home.
I found the Camellia hiemalis ‘Shishi-Gashira’ at the nursery. Well, I was a liitle confused because the Sunset Western Garden Book printed Camellia sasanqua ‘Dwarf Shishi’ as Camellia hiemalis ‘Shishi-Gashira’.
When I came back to my home, I started check the internet.
What I have learned is Camellia hiemalis ‘Shishi-Gashira’ and Camellia sasanqua ‘Dwarf Shishi’ are different varieties.
According to your site, Camellia sasanqua ‘Dwarf Shishi’ was originated by Toichi Domoto(born California in 1902) in 1988.
I’m glad to find out the real information about Cammelia sasanqua ‘Dwarf Shishi’.
I surmise Toichi Domoto’s last name in Japanese is 土本/土元（どもとdomoto/also pronounce tsuchimoto).
Another possibility is 堂本/堂元(どうもとdoumoto).
Thank you.
Reply