Avoiding Another Toppling of the Takeshi Kaneshiro Tree: Chishang Township Office Prepares for Typhoon

▲Last time the Takeshi Kaneshiro Tree fell, the Japanese Emperor’s personal arborist came specially to offer aid. (Photo / Provided by Taitung County Government)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

The last time Typhoon Matmo hit Taiwan, it caused the Takeshi Kaneshiro Tree to fall. After emergency rescue efforts, new leaves have grown back. Now, with Typhoon Fenghuang approaching, whether the recovered Takeshi Kaneshiro Tree can withstand the storm is a concern.

Typhoon Matmo landed in Taitung in July, and the towering Takeshi Kaneshiro Tree couldn’t withstand the strong winds and fell. Thanks to emergency rescue by tree experts and replanting, the tree has recovered well. However, with Typhoon Fenghuang returning, many are concerned about whether the restored tree can survive. Chishang Township Mayor Lin Wen-tang said in an interview with CNA that after the previous collapse and rescue, not only were supports and fixings installed, but the foundation area was also expanded with a wider soil base, and the tree’s roots have since grown stronger—so it should be able to stand this typhoon. (Source: CNA)