I can't believe it's already "this weekend"—I was convinced we still had way more time! For succulent lovers living in Kansai, the major must-see event "Kyosenkai" is coming up fast. Here's the second part of our look-back report. This time, instead of last year's coverage at 'Shuchiin University,' we've updated our photo report to feature the event's regular location: 'MyDome Osaka.' Enjoy this fresh take!

Event Overview

"Kyosenkai" is a community of cactus enthusiasts, mainly based in Kansai. As you can tell from their "40th Anniversary Celebration" back in 2020, it's a group with a rich history—one of the biggest in Japan. It brings together not only hobbyists but also growers and shop owners for a real pro-am mix. They're true trendsetters of the cactus world! The current president is the well-known cactus lover Yasumitsu Muraji, whose name you might even recognize from certain cactus varieties in circulation. The Kyosenkai event is held every year on the first Sunday of September and organized by the group itself. It features three main attractions: a plant show, an exchange (auction), and a direct sales market.

Since "Kyosenkai" is a club originally formed by cactus lovers, the majority of plants on display are, naturally, cacti. You'll also see some tough contenders like agave and caudiciforms, and even Haworthia and other "bizarre plants." On the other hand, the cute-type succulents, like Echeveria, are less of a focus.

Venue

While the event temporarily moved to Kyoto during the pandemic, it returned to its home base at "MyDome Osaka" from 2022. It's a major event hall located in Chuo-ku, Osaka, near Tanimachi. Don't mix it up with Kyocera Dome Osaka!

The nearest station is Sakaisuji-Honmachi on the Osaka Metro Sakaisuji or Chuo lines. It's about a 6-minute walk from there. Parking is available—30 minutes for ¥200 (so about ¥1,200 for 3 hours is a good estimate). If you're planning to take home a whole box or two of plans, just consider the parking fee as part of the adventure!

Direct Sales Market

Top Kansai growers all gather at this level of plant market! It really feels like the Kansai Cactus Expert Federation is behind the Plants Junkie vibe here. The market kicks off early and runs throughout the event, so you can leisurely browse and check out the plants between the plant show and exchange auction. (I'll admit, I mostly zeroed in on the ones I personally wanted—sorry that I can't give an all-around report, that's the amateur in me! (haha))

Plant Show

This show features the best efforts of Kyosenkai members—plants achieved only after decades of care. The finished look of these showpieces is truly breathtaking. Many are planted in magnificent pots, too. While these collection pieces will never hit the general market, it's hard not to wonder, "What kind of price would these fetch if they ever did?" (Just some idle speculation...)

Exchange Auction

Around noon (it started at 11:55 this year), the famous exchange auction begins! All the auction items are displayed early on at the side of the venue, so if you want the best pick, arriving early to scope things out is key. The number of items is truly massive, with lots being auctioned off by the boxful. The pro-am style means that sometimes vendors from the sales market also successfully win bids. But don't think you can't compete with the pros! Most lots are actually picked up by regular attendees, and with bids from walk-ins sometimes winning at surprise prices, there's no reason not to try your luck—get in there and bid!

Coming Next: Info for the 2024 Edition

And this awesome event is happening again this year! In 2024, expect a return to MyDome Osaka. Keep checking the official info and get excited!