This Han Kengai JRP Akamatsu will get its share of Autumn pruning soon.
I will post the progression, once done.
Ah, in the foreground the flowers of a Manacá, a São Paulo native from the rain forest that blooms in the fall.

Any suggestions about the apical crown?
I think will bend it strongly, or chop it.
I'd rather just wire it down (bending it), and let it there to be a sacrifice to be chopped later; but I am not sure this trunk will thicken more than it already is, in a short time. In fact, it's thick enough for this cascade design, being this a young pine.
What do you think about this apex?

Keep, don't bend too much, shorten it, use the top and side branches for the apex.

Auk wrote: Keep, don't bend too much, shorten it, use the top and side branches for the apex.

Thanks for commenting, Auk.
Yes, I agree, this seems the best plan for now.
I'll bend it backwards (in the direction of the center of the pot) and slightly to a side, and then up a little.
As soon as I wire it I'll let you guys know.

very nice!:ohmy:

Nice. I am not sure about keeping it thoufg. If you remove it, you have a pleasing form. But of course, I cannot look under the foliage.

That's a very nice tree Clicio!
I am still quite a newbie so my opinion could be totally wrong; however, from a pure aesthetics standpoint, I would do without that protruding apex.
You would obtain a full cascade-style pine.
Or what about modelling it into a jin?

Well guys, thanks a lot!
I can always cut it down, but never put it back again, so...
I will wire it, and wait to see if it works before chopping it forever.

Yes, you could remove that branch, but a cascase/semi-cascade often does have such a top - it's a bit like a small Moyogi, but with a very long branch cascading down.

I'm talking about something like this:


So... I'd keep that top and I agree: you can always decide to cut it later.

Stunning tree, great example Auk!
Well, Clicio, we'll now be waiting for news on progression on your pine...