the Bonsai Diary
A downloadable draw-and-journal game
It's 2025, and you plant a small tree seedling, imagining its future.
Bonsai trees can live hundreds of years. Who will inherit this living being? What will they think of you in 2178? Will they think of you at all?
Use simple brush or pen strokes to shape your bonsai. On each new page, trace your previous bonsai and add one more stroke. Watch your bonsai grow, page after page. Draw impulsively, or draw with intention.
As you play, the game asks you: Who are you? What do you hope for the future?
Also available at Indie Press Revolution and Knave of Cups.
Retailers: Get assets to help you market this game.
Bonsai Diary is full-bent focused on providing a contemplative, mindful experience, but in a creative, surprising way. It’s really quite excellent. It’s also quite interesting.
The game prompts introspection... it will leave you pondering long after you’ve put down your pen. In an age of fast-paced digital distractions, this tactile, thoughtful experience is a sanctuary.
This is a beautifully contemplative game, in which you embody various generations that are all responsible for caring for a bonsai tree (and possibly more).
-- Mint Rabbit
More reviews:
- Tales From the Unknown (YouTube)
- JenPlaysSolo (Instagram)
- Shadeland (Instagram)
Watch it played
- I play The Bonsai Diary with Jaime of Ranni Bonsai
- Xoe Allred of Knife Bunny Games plays through an early prototype of The Bonsai Diary
Purchase
In order to download this draw-and-journal game you must purchase it at or above the minimum price of $5 USD. You will get access to the following files:
Download demo
Development log
- The Bonsai Diary: 2 ENNIE nods 🌳 50% off 🌳 en français36 days ago
- The Bonsai Diary: 🆕 tips video, print and playApr 22, 2026
- The Bonsai Diary is a FINALIST for the 2026 Origins Award!Mar 04, 2026
- Where you can get copies of The Bonsai DiarySep 03, 2025
- Bonsai Diary on Kickstarter, plus: live play-throughs!Jun 04, 2025
- The Bonsai Diary - updated for better home printingMay 19, 2025
- The Bonsai Diary, RepottedMay 09, 2025
- Solo journaling, togetherJan 16, 2025
Comments
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I am wondering if there are ever community copies available. I love solo journaling, I just can't afford to purchase anything unfortunately. Instead of cost of living increased I keep getting hit with decreases in my disability payments.
I played this a as a part of a solo rpg club and really enjoyed it! I love it when a game asks me to slow down - already thinking about a second play through where I only do a page a day (or week!) and really be mindful about it.
I'm so glad you enjoyed! Did you speed run it? Players often find that emotionally overwhelming.
I would love if you used the card mechanics and let me know how it goes!
Oh not a speedrun at all! I made it through the first generation and plan to return to it with the next here soon!
I can definitely give the card mechanics a whirl once I finish the native playthrough!!!
What a wonderful game!
Big congrats for the Origin Awards 2026 too! The Bonsay Diary is a cool standout among the big names titles there.
Thank you! I hope you enjoyed your bonsai. And yes, the Origins nomination was such a surprise 🫢
And now big congrats for the ENNIE Awards nominations too!
Aw thanks, it's been quite a ride!
This was my first solo game and it’s a great one to start with!
I played as myself, on the verge of marriage, and quickly had to imagine and play as our future children and further generations (imagine trying to name your granddaughter-in-law who doesn’t exist yet!).
No drawing abilities necessary. I played with pencil but I recommend using at least a pen for easier tracing.
Thank you so much for trying this game out, Elliot! Pencil, pen, marker, crayon -- all are valid!
Anyway, as Flight of the Conchords once discussed:
Jermaine: Brett's wife is unable to have kids cuz ... she's imaginary.
Brett: Yeah and the kids take after her in that sense.
Really nice game. I couldn't add a link in my rating or add a photo, so I post it here.
Danke! Thank you for sharing these lovely drawings - I hope you also enjoyed the story you created along the way.
Great game! I'm glad I got a chance to play it!
https://emilsgameroom.com/the-bonsai-diary-a-solo-journaling-game/
I truly love this drawing-journaling-meditation concept
Thanks for sharing, I love journaling games focused on drawing or doodling!
Thank you so, so much, Angela! Your comment means so much to me. If you get a chance to play it, I'd love any feedback. I know the instructions still need work.