Disaster recovery exhibition at Osaka expo

Disaster recovery exhibition at Osaka expo

Turin Olympics figure skating gold medalist Shizuka Arakawa (2nd from R) poses in front of a "digital monument" at the World Exposition in Osaka on May 19, 2025, as an exhibition highlighting the recovery of the three northeastern Japan prefectures severely affected by the March 2011 earthquake-tsunami disaster begins the same day. Shown on the screen is the "Miracle Pine," the only tree that survived in a coastal forest flattened by tsunami in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture.

14th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

14th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

The monument to the "Miracle Pine," the only tree that survived in a coastal forest flattened by the deadly tsunami in March 2011 in northeastern Japan, is pictured in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, on March 11, 2025, the 14th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

14th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

14th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

The monument to the "Miracle Pine," the only tree that survived in a coastal forest flattened by the deadly tsunami in March 2011 in northeastern Japan, is pictured in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, on March 11, 2025, the 14th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

14th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

14th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

The monument to the "Miracle Pine," the only tree that survived in a coastal forest flattened by the deadly tsunami in March 2011 in northeastern Japan, is pictured in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, on March 11, 2025, the 14th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

14th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

14th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

The monument to the "Miracle Pine," the only tree that survived in a coastal forest flattened by the deadly tsunami in March 2011 in northeastern Japan, is pictured in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, on March 11, 2025, the 14th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

14th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

14th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

The monument to the "Miracle Pine," the only tree that survived in a coastal forest flattened by the deadly tsunami in March 2011 in northeastern Japan, is pictured in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, on March 11, 2025, the 14th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

14th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

14th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

The monument to the "Miracle Pine," the only tree that survived in a coastal forest flattened by the deadly tsunami in March 2011 in northeastern Japan, is pictured in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, on March 11, 2025, the 14th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

14th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

14th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

The monument to the "Miracle Pine," the only tree that survived in a coastal forest flattened by the deadly tsunami in March 2011 in northeastern Japan, is pictured in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, on March 11, 2025, the 14th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

13th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

13th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

The monument to the "Miracle Pine," the only tree that survived in a coastal forest flattened by the deadly tsunami in March 2011 in northeastern Japan, is pictured in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, on March 11, 2024, the 13th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

13th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

13th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

The monument to the "Miracle Pine," the only tree that survived in a coastal forest flattened by the deadly tsunami in March 2011 in northeastern Japan, is pictured in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, on March 11, 2024, the 13th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

13th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

13th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

The monument to the "Miracle Pine," the only tree that survived in a coastal forest flattened by the deadly tsunami in March 2011 in northeastern Japan, is pictured in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, on March 11, 2024, the 13th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

13th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

13th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

The monument to the "Miracle Pine," the only tree that survived in a coastal forest flattened by the deadly tsunami in March 2011 in northeastern Japan, is pictured in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, on March 11, 2024, the 13th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

13th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

13th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

The monument to the "Miracle Pine," the only tree that survived in a coastal forest flattened by the deadly tsunami in March 2011 in northeastern Japan, is pictured in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, on March 11, 2024, the 13th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

12th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

12th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

A man looks up at the monument to the "Miracle Pine," the only tree that survived in a coastal forest flattened by the 2011 deadly tsunami in the Iwate Prefecture city of Rikuzentakata, northeastern Japan, on March 11, 2023, the 12th anniversary of the disaster.

12th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

12th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

People pray in the Iwate Prefecture city of Rikuzentakata, northeastern Japan, on March 11, 2023, the 12th anniversary of the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster that devastated the country's northeast. The monument to the "Miracle Pine," the only tree that survived in a coastal forest flattened by the deadly tsunami can be seen in the background.

12th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

12th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

The monument to the "Miracle Pine," the only tree that survived in a coastal forest flattened by the deadly tsunami in March 2011 in northeastern Japan, is pictured in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, on March 11, 2023, the 12th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

12th anniversary of 2011 disaster

12th anniversary of 2011 disaster

Photo taken on March 9, 2023, shows the monument to the "Miracle Pine" in Rikuzentakata, northeastern Japan, the only tree in a coastal forest that was not flattened by the deadly tsunami on March 11, 2011.

12th anniversary of 2011 disaster

12th anniversary of 2011 disaster

Photo taken on March 9, 2023, shows the monument to the "Miracle Pine" in Rikuzentakata, northeastern Japan, the only tree in a coastal forest that was not flattened by the deadly tsunami on March 11, 2011.

12th anniversary of 2011 disaster

12th anniversary of 2011 disaster

Photo taken on March 9, 2023, shows the monument to the "Miracle Pine" in Rikuzentakata, northeastern Japan, the only tree in a coastal forest that was not flattened by the deadly tsunami on March 11, 2011.

12th anniversary of 2011 disaster

12th anniversary of 2011 disaster

A woman looks out at the sea on March 9, 2023, beside the monument to the "Miracle Pine" in Rikuzentakata, northeastern Japan, the only tree in a coastal forest that was not flattened by the deadly tsunami on March 11, 2011.

Restoration of 'miracle pine'

Restoration of 'miracle pine'

RIKUZENTAKATA, Japan - A part of the trunk of the "miracle pine" that initially withstood the massive March 2011 tsunami is suspended from a crane to be planted into the ground in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, on Feb. 12, 2013, as restoration of the tree reached the final stage. The remnants of the tree were dissected in September 2012 into several parts for anti-decay treatment.

JAMA presents replica of 'miracle pine' to disaster-hit town

JAMA presents replica of 'miracle pine' to disaster-hit town

MORIOKA, Japan - Akio Toyoda (R), president of Toyota Motor Corp. and chairman of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, and Futoshi Toba, mayor of Rikuzentakata in Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, stand on March 27, 2014, in front of a replica of the "miracle pine" that survived the March 2011 tsunami. JAMA presented the replica to the city.

'Miracle pine' 3 yrs after disaster

'Miracle pine' 3 yrs after disaster

RIKUZENTAKATA, Japan - People look at the "miracle pine" in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on March 11, 2014, three years after the earthquake and tsunami disaster hit the area.

3 years after quake-tsunami

3 years after quake-tsunami

SENDAI, Japan - Photos show the "miracle pine" in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, on Sept. 11, 2012 (top), one and a half years after the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami, and after the tree was cut down, preserved and replanted in the same place on Feb. 13, 2014 (bottom).

Disaster-hit 'miracle pine' in Rikuzentakata, Japan

Disaster-hit 'miracle pine' in Rikuzentakata, Japan

RIKUZENTAKATA, Japan - The "miracle pine" in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, which was the only tree to survive among a forest of about 70,000 pines swept away by tsunami in March 2011, stands tall on Feb. 13, 2014. The tree went through preservation work after its roots died due to exposure to seawater, and replica branches were added to restore its appearance.

Kennedy in disaster-stricken region

Kennedy in disaster-stricken region

RIKUZENTAKATA, Japan - New U.S. Ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy (front R) looks up at the lone "miracle pine" that remained after the tsunami in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, with Rikuzentakata Mayor Futoshi Toba (far L), on Nov. 26, 2013, the second day of her tour through the region affected by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami disaster.

Kennedy in disaster-stricken region

Kennedy in disaster-stricken region

RIKUZENTAKATA, Japan - New U.S. Ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy makes remarks while visiting the lone "miracle pine" that remained after the tsunami in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, on Nov. 26, 2013, the second day of her tour through the region affected by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami disaster.

Harvest moon over "miracle pine"

Harvest moon over "miracle pine"

RIKUZENTAKATA, Japan - Photo taken Sept. 19, 2013, shows a harvest moon above the "miracle pine" in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, hit by the March 11, 2011, Great East Japan Earthquake. The tree, which initially withstood the tsunami and later died, was reassembled for a monument after being dissected for anti-decay treatment.

2 and a half years after quake

2 and a half years after quake

SENDAI, Japan - Combination photos taken from a Kyodo News helicopter show the "miracle pine" in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, on March 27, 2011 (L), soon after the March 11, 2011, Great East Japan Earthquake, and a restored pine at the same location about two and a half years later on Sept. 6, 2013 (R). The tree, which initially withstood the tsunami and later died, was reassembled for a monument after being dissected for anti-decay treatment.

Crown prince plays viola at concert

Crown prince plays viola at concert

TOKYO, Japan - Crown Prince Naruhito shows a viola bearing a picture of the "miracle pine" at a concert performed by the Gakushuin OB orchestra at Tokyo Metropolitan Art Space in Tokyo on July 7, 2013. The wood for the viola came from driftwood left in areas of northeastern Japan that were ravaged by the March 2011 tsunami, as well as the "miracle pine," the only tree to survive from a forest of pines swept away by the tsunami. (Pool photo)

Crown prince plays viola at concert

Crown prince plays viola at concert

TOKYO, Japan - Crown Prince Naruhito plays a viola made of driftwood during a concert performed by the Gakushuin OB orchestra at Tokyo Metropolitan Art Space in Tokyo on July 7, 2013. The wood for the viola came from debris left in areas of northeastern Japan that were ravaged by the March 2011 tsunami, as well as the "miracle pine," the only tree to survive from a forest of pines swept away by the tsunami. (Pool photo)

Miracle pine

Miracle pine

RIKUZENTAKATA, Japan - The preserved "miracle pine" is illuminated in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, on July 3, 2013, after the preservation of the tree that initially survived the devastating March 2011 tsunami. The lighting-up began the same day for the repose of the souls of the disaster victims.

Miracle pine

Miracle pine

RIKUZENTAKATA, Japan - The preserved "miracle pine" is illuminated in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, on July 3, 2013, after the preservation of the tree that initially survived the devastating March 2011 tsunami. The lighting-up began the same day for the repose of the souls of the disaster victims.

Miracle pine preservation

Miracle pine preservation

RIKUZENTAKATA, Japan - Local nursery school children sing during a ceremony on July 3, 2013, to celebrate the preservation of a "miracle pine," which initially survived the devastating March 2011 tsunami, in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture.

Miracle pine preservation

Miracle pine preservation

RIKUZENTAKATA, Japan - The preserved "miracle pine" is pictured in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, before a ceremony on July 3, 2013, to celebrate the preservation of the tree that initially survived the devastating March 2011 tsunami.

"Miracle pine" in restoration work again

"Miracle pine" in restoration work again

RIKUZENTAKATA, Japan - A replica branch is descended by a crane on the ground in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, on May 27, 2013, from the restoration of the "miracle pine." The tree initially withstood the massive March 2011 tsunami and was cut off from the roots for restoration after being found to be dead. The second restoration work began on May 27 following local people claiming the silhouette of the tree, with replica branches and the preservative-treated trunk, looks different from the original.

"Miracle pine" in restoration work again

"Miracle pine" in restoration work again

RIKUZENTAKATA, Japan - A replica branch is descended by a crane on the ground in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, on May 27, 2013, from the restoration of the "miracle pine." The tree initially withstood the massive March 2011 tsunami and was cut off from the roots for restoration after being found to be dead. The second restoration work began on May 27 following local people claiming the silhouette of the tree, with replica branches and the preservative-treated trunk, looks different from the original.

2 years after quake

2 years after quake

RIKUZENTAKATA, Japan - Aerial photos taken by Kyodo News show the "miracle pine" in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, on March 27, 2011 (L), after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, and sections of the truck being reassembled for a monument on March 6, 2013, after the tree was dissected for anti-decay treatment.

'Miracle pine' found to be 173 years old

'Miracle pine' found to be 173 years old

SENDAI, Japan - File photo taken in September 2012 shows the "miracle pine" that survived the massive March 2011 tsunami in Rikuzentakata, northeastern Japan. The tree was assessed as 173 years old, the local municipal office said Feb. 27, 2013.

Driftwood violins keep alive memories of prequake days

Driftwood violins keep alive memories of prequake days

TOKYO, Japan - Polish violinist Nicolas Chumachenco (L) shows the back of his violin, on which a picture of the famed "miracle pine tree" is drawn. It was the only tree that survived the devastating tsunami that swept away a pine forest on the coast of Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, on March 11, 2011, when the Great East Japan Earthquake occurred. Photo taken Nov. 3, 2012 in Ikoma, Nara Prefecture. (Photo by Yukie Nishizawa)

Travolta supports "miracle pine" preservation

Travolta supports "miracle pine" preservation

RIKUZENTAKATA, Japan - Photo taken at the Rikuzentakata city office in Iwate Prefecture on Oct. 2, 2012, shows an autographed picture of U.S. actor John Travolta with a handwritten message, received by the municipal government of the city ravaged by the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami. The northeastern Japan city said it has received a message of support from Travolta for its efforts to preserve the "miracle pine" that survived the massive tsunami.

"Miracle pine" cut down for preservation

"Miracle pine" cut down for preservation

RIKUZENTAKATA, Japan - Photo shows the so-called "miracle pine" tree, all the braches of which have been cut off, in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, on Sept. 12, 2012. The city conducted the project to move the tree for preservation, after the roots of the plant that survived the March 2011 tsunami were found to be dying from exposure to seawater.

"Miracle pine" cut down for preservation

"Miracle pine" cut down for preservation

RIKUZENTAKATA, Japan - Photo sequence shows the so-called "miracle pine" tree in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, being cut down on Sept. 12, 2012. The city conducted the project to move the tree for preservation, after the roots of the plant that survived the March 2011 tsunami were found to be dying from exposure to seawater.

"Miracle pine" cut down for preservation

"Miracle pine" cut down for preservation

RIKUZENTAKATA, Japan - Photo shows the so-called "miracle pine" tree after being cut off from its roots in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, on Sept. 12, 2012. The city conducted the project to move the tree for preservation, after the roots of the plant that survived the March 2011 tsunami were found to be dying from exposure to seawater.

"Miracle pine" cut down for preservation

"Miracle pine" cut down for preservation

RIKUZENTAKATA, Japan - Photo shows the so-called "miracle pine" tree falling in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, on Sept. 12, 2012, after being cut off from its roots. The city conducted the project to move the tree for preservation, after the roots of the plant that survived the March 2011 tsunami were found to be dying from exposure to seawater.

"Miracle pine" cut down for preservation

"Miracle pine" cut down for preservation

RIKUZENTAKATA, Japan - Photo shows the so-called "miracle pine" tree, all the braches of which have been cut off, in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, on Sept. 12, 2012. The city conducted the project to move the tree for preservation, after the roots of the plant that survived the March 2011 tsunami were found to be dying from exposure to seawater.

"Miracle pine" cut down for preservation

"Miracle pine" cut down for preservation

RIKUZENTAKATA, Japan - Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter shows people watching the so-called "miracle pine" tree being cut down in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, on Sept. 12, 2012. The city conducted the project to move the tree for preservation, after the roots of the plant that survived the March 2011 tsunami were found to be dying from exposure to seawater.

"Miracle pine" cut down for preservation

"Miracle pine" cut down for preservation

RIKUZENTAKATA, Japan - People watch the so-called "miracle pine" tree being cut down in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, on Sept. 12, 2012. The city conducted the project to move the tree for preservation, after the roots of the plant that survived the March 2011 tsunami were found to be dying from exposure to seawater.

"Miracle pine" cut down for preservation

"Miracle pine" cut down for preservation

RIKUZENTAKATA, Japan - Photo shows the so-called "miracle pine" tree, some branches of which have been cut off, in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, on Sept. 12, 2012. The city conducted the project to move the tree for preservation, after the roots of the plant that survived the March 2011 tsunami were found to be dying from exposure to seawater.

"Miracle pine" cut down for preservation

"Miracle pine" cut down for preservation

RIKUZENTAKATA, Japan - A ritual is held in front of the so-called "miracle pine" tree in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, on Sept. 12, 2012, before it was cut down to be moved for preservation. The city conducted the project after the roots of the plant that survived the March 2011 tsunami were found to be dying from exposure to seawater.