The ‘miracle pine’ (above) that survived the 2011 tsunami in Japan has immortalized as a monument to the victims of the disaster. Believe it or not, the 88-foot pine was the only surviving tree in a forest of 70,000 which was wiped out when the tsunami hit Rikuzentakata, Iwate prefecture. As the water receded, it became obvious that the tree would not survive, as too much saline had soaked into the soil, poisoning its roots. So, the tree was cut down, its leaves and branches cast out of giant molds to recreate its shape. Next, the branches, made of reinforced plastic, were cast around carbon-fiber poles. Continue reading for more.
