A pine tree that survived the 2011 Great East Japan earthquake in the city of Minamisoma, known as the "miracle pine tree", has been cut down.
Local people had carefully preserved it as a symbol of hope and resilience, but lengthy exposure to sea water has damaged the 25-meter-tall tree’s root.
People touched it and took photos to say farewell. A resident of the area, Yoshito Kamada, said that memories will last forever by expressing his gratitude and giving a last farewell to the pine tree.
Trees will be planted in place of the miracle pine tree, to create a forest as a barrier against strong winds and high waves.
