Japan’s Imperial Tree Doctor Provides Free Consultation for Takeshi Kaneshiro Tree; Yamashita: Repaying Taiwan’s Kindness

Reported by Chen Tzu-yin / Taipei

The iconic Takeshi Kaneshiro Tree on Brown Road, which gained fame after being featured in an advertisement starring actor Takeshi Kaneshiro, was uprooted during a typhoon. After emergency rescue efforts, it was replanted in its original location on the 24th using backfill soil. Dubbed a “tree of great value” by netizens, even EVA Air invited a “Japanese Imperial Tree Doctor” to save this extraordinary tree.


▲ This remarkable tree even received a free consultation from Japan’s Imperial Tree Doctor. (Photo / Provided by Taitung County Government)

Mr. Yamashita Tokunori, known as the “Japanese Imperial Tree Doctor,” and his team visited Chihshang Township to provide free medical care for the over 40-year-old Takeshi Kaneshiro Tree. The Taitung County Government also erected an information sign next to the tree starting today (26th) to educate visitors about tree care.Yamashita Tokunori stated that this is a way to repay Taiwan’s kindness during Japan’s nuclear disaster, and he pledged to offer free consultation in Taitung. He will bring tools such as wound healing agents and nutrients to diagnose the tree’s issues and provide appropriate treatment and maintenance advice.

It is understood that Yamashita Tokunori is the Imperial Palace’s designated tree doctor in Japan, with 25 years of experience. He specializes in maintaining trees over 50 years old and transplanting large trees. Yamashita originally came to Taiwan to repair hundreds of trees in Da’an Forest Park. After diagnosing the Takeshi Kaneshiro Tree, he said the tree had fewer leaves, affecting photosynthesis, and many broken roots hindered water absorption, leading to a severely weakened state. Therefore, the team recut the damaged upper branches, applied healing agents to the wounds, and installed three sets of steel cables and six support poles. For the lower root section, which was damaged and broken after falling, they recut the wounds, applied healing agents, and after completing the recovery process, refilled the soil with breathable and well-drained material, and applied nutrients.BuildThey also recommended avoiding stepping on the refilled soil to prevent damage to the newly growing roots.

EVA Air and the Taitung County Government also jointly urge visitors to “Love it ~ Please don’t touch it.” They hope that through the rebirth of the Takeshi Kaneshiro Tree, travelers will understand that the beauty of nature requires everyone’s collective care.


▲ The bare and injured Takeshi Kaneshiro Tree is on display to the public, with a recovery period expected to take six months to a year. (Photo / Provided by Taitung County Government)