The "miracle pine" that survived the monster quake and tsunami on March 11 was decorated and illuminated on a snowy Saturday evening as volunteers and residents tried to bring some Christmas cheer to the disaster-stricken area.
The tree is the sole survivor of a group of 70,000 pines that stood on the coastline of Rikuzentakata before the tsunami. The tree's survival in the face of devastation turned it into a symbol of hope.
"This is beautiful. I hope Rikuzentakata will shine as this pine is," said a 50-year-old housewife now living in temporary housing.
Live video of the event was broadcast on the Internet. (Japan Times)
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