what that tells us is that this tree was kept in a pot that was too small for too long, which caused the roots to start to circle around.  When it was moved up into a larger pot, it was either too late to straiten the roots out, or whoever did it did not take the time to do so. 

I don't think there is anyway of making this look like the typical radial roots that are prized, short of layering above that mess.

Alternatively, if you like how it looks, you can make it a focal point and expose them even more.  But most bonsai people would not find it very appealing, I think.

- bob

yeah, learning process. looked better w/ the moss

Also, there's no good excuse for nebari this poor on a Japanese Maple.  They layer so well that you really shouldn't have to look at roots like this for very long.

probably need to start the air layer process before buds break?

That's what I'm here for.  Just trying to keep you honest. 

Tradition says airlayer, I think I am with Owen this time, airlayer the top make nice roots, make sure you have a bud or grafted branch on the bottom and do the "wabi sabi" thing, in this case I am using Wabi Sabi to mean 'This is my excuse to domanything wierd that I want with MY tree". Should be fun. Good idea Owen.

I quite like it.  My vote is for: air layer the top to get a tree with good "standard" nebari, keep the base to make something interesting and unusual. 

Might start a weird nebari thread    I have  a few.