“Miracle Hydrangeas” bloom for the first time three years after planting at Nakijin Castle Ruins, a symbol of recovery from the Tohoku earthquake

“Miracle Hydrangeas” bloom for the first time three years after planting at Nakijin Castle Ruins, a symbol of recovery from the Tohoku earthquake

Miracle Hydrangeas which were taken from Fukushima starting to bloom at the Nakijin Castle Ruins – May 6


May 20, 2022 Ryukyu Shimpo

By Kenta Masuda

 

Nakijin – The “Miracle Hydrangeas” planted at Nakijin Castle Ruins, which were distributed throughout Japan as a symbol of recovery from the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, bloomed for the first time at the end of April. The flowers were originally planted three years ago, and through cutting the number of stocks increased from three to fourteen. The light-pink flowers now decorate the castle ruins’ grounds.

The Miracle Hydrangeas were found at the bottom of the reservoir after the Fujinuma Dam in Fukushima broke during the disaster, and the plant was divided for distribution all over Japan by the Naganuma Society of Commerce and Industry. The flower made its way to Nakijin Castle Ruins via Urasoe City and were planted in June of 2019. It was planted carefully after selecting soil that would retain water. It bloomed just before the start of the rainy season, and a number of additional buds have been found throughout the month as well. It also looks like there will be some flowers tinged with a bit of blue.

Kenta Harada, 46, from the Nakijin Village Gusuku Information Center said, “We took care of the flowers along with all the other plants while seeing how it would work with the Okinawa environment, and it finally bloomed. We want to make the castle ruins a place that is filled with flowers. We want to add some nature to the history and culture [of the ruins].” He is calling for local residents and tourists to come visit.

The Miracle Hydrangeas have been planted along the walkway from the parking lot to the building that houses the shop and ticket window. They can be seen modestly blooming alongside some Easter lilies with butterflies dancing around. While the cherry blossoms still remain the main attraction, Harada and the store staff want to increase the number of flowers as a feature.

 

(English translation by T&CT and Sam Grieb)

 

Go to Japanese 

 


　


Previous Article:
Next Article:

[Similar Articles]