Not exactly pulling, but grasping with thumb and index finger and pinching backward without moving your hand otherwise.

Lucy
Thank you.
After I posted this I came across an article on the reason for either cutting close or pinching. It said that pulling them could hurt buds and bark.
Paul

Lucy
Thank you.
After I posted this I came across an article on the reason for either cutting close with scizzors or pinching. It said that pulling them could hurt buds and bark.
Paul

Each needle bundle on a pine has a latent bud in it. If you want to encourage these buds, cut the bundle just above the "fascicle" or little sheath at the base of the cluster (two needles on mughos). If you do not want to encourage that bud, pull the bundle by grasping it with a good tweezer and pull off in the direction of the needles, NOT backwards as Lucy has said. Pulling backward can damage bark.

I agree with removing all the bottom needles. But Vance and I disagree about the top ones. A few top-growing buds on a large branch will help build depth in the foliage pad so you don't have a completely flat-looking branch.

Here is a link that might be useful: Sashi-eda Bonsai Weblog

BKC - you misunderstood - I did not mean to pull backward as in against the natural growing direction (back toward the branch). I meant toward your self or hand.

Bonsaikc
It may have been one of your articles that I read.
I understood V.W. to mean flat now but denser next growing season. Am I wrong?
Paul

In order to get that layered look that indicates a mature bonsai, you need inner buds, and a few upper ones will help give the depth you are looking for. Density all to the left and right requires you to then fold branches back over the top, which can be done, but sometimes looks more artificial.

Here is a link that might be useful: Interview with Boon Manakitivipart