This small size (7 inches high by 13 inches wide), rapid growing medium green colored hosta originated in Japan (or Korea) and was registered by Peter Ruh of Ohio in 2002 and re-registered with new data in 2018. The foliage is lanceolate, wavy, slightly twisted, dull on top and very shiny on the bottom.. It produces medium purple flowers with stripes in late August on scapes up to 19 inches tall.

The registration materials state: "...small size; rapid growth; attractive flower; historic background...Introducer: Jack Craig and Alex Summers...Originating in Korea and/or Japan..."

According to The Hosta Handbook by Mark Zilis (2000), "It could be related to either H. gracillima or H. sieboldii angustifolia or be a separate species."

The Hostapedia by Mark Zilis (2009), states that this cultivar "...may be the most well-known dwarf-size hosta cultivar. It makes a neat, low mound of foliage that is useful as an edger, low ground cover, or in troughs."

The Book of Little Hostas by Kathy and Michael Shadrack (2010) says: "Ideal for the border and raised bed, but smaller divisions make very good trough and rockery plants."

The New Encyclopedia of Hostas by Diana Grenfell (2009) states: "...fertile although the flowers do not open properly...Fast growing...Sometimes re-blooming occurs...Distinctly rippled edges which take time to develop."

"Saishu Jima Gibōshi, the "hosta from Saishu Island," is named for an island 80 miles off the southern tip of the Korean Peninsula...Of recent volcanic origin, it has yielded many uncommon species, including H. venusta. The clone most frequently available in commerce under this name is a small all-green form of H. sieboldii. This name is also used for several other taxa, and the name H. 'Saishu Jima' as applied in commerce, is technically not a clonal name...Hosta gracillima is also sold under this name."