The Japanese term "bonsai" means "planted in a pot." A bonsai is a living work of art, a perfect miniature plant, identical in all respects to its full-size simile, but several times smaller. A bonsai is a microcosm that contains within itself the mystery of the universe, unchanged in all but dimensions.

Players take on the role of expert bonsai masters intent on growing their own bonsai. Whoever grows the best plant will be appointed to show their bonsai at the Imperial Gardens.