The bonsai is only a tree planted in a limited pot. However, Japanese tradition has enhanced the bonsai to a very sophisticated art. Masters of bonsai have to understand their mechanisms and try to induce growth that exhibits the maximum beauty of nature. There is no perfect goal image for masters of bonsai. Typically, masters observe the bonsai and assist its growth to a better form without harming its natural activity. This can be generalised as one type of system administration. In this way, the bonsai can give us some hints for the future norm of city planning.

 A textbook-like way of city planning follows these steps: (1) make the goal image of the city (master plan); (2) select the most effective planning tools to induce the current city to the goal; (3) operate the measures; (4) if there are problems or changes in social needs then update the plan and return to step (2).

However, the way of managing bonsai suggests that one should not formulate a complete future plan, but rather make continuous efforts to remedy and elevate the urban form so that the activities of the city can perform to their fullest potential.