200 cherry tree seedlings planted in Tsushima and Iki
200 Somei Yoshino cherry tree seedlings were planted over a 10-day period in mid-March on the site of the Japan-Korea Tunnel on Tsushima and Iki. This was the second planting of trees as part of a project launched last year to beautify the tunnel site, aiming to create a "Senbonzakura Garden," and follows on from last year's planting of 200 trees. This year's trees were once again generously donated by Yoshiharu Kanazawa of Kanagawa Prefecture.
In Tsushima, 100 trees were planted over a four-day period from March 10th to 14th in areas that would not interfere with construction work, such as around the entrance to the inclined shaft, on the outskirts of the site, on the planned site for workers' accommodation, and on the access roads. Although the wind was still chilly, the trees were planted under clear skies with the cooperation of local residents, and the 1.2m seedlings, which were beginning to show small buds, were successfully planted.
The seedlings planted last year were nibbled by deer as soon as they sprouted, and unfortunately, most of them died. So this year, they decided to cover the seedlings with netting. The deer were once protected, but now their numbers have increased so much that agricultural damage caused by crop destruction amounts to tens of millions of yen. In addition to exterminating the deer, research is also being conducted into making processed foods such as sausages from deer meat.
Setting up the posts and assembling the net on the rocky ground of Tsushima was painstaking work, and the local people also worked tirelessly on the job. Everyone's enthusiasm to "really have a cherry blossom viewing party next year" is what is supporting the tunnel project.
[Photo] Seven trees were planted on the slope of the mine entrance, which was installed in July last year. They are protected by a green net to keep deer away.
[Photo] In winter, camellia trees stand out among the deciduous trees on Tsushima Island. Cherry trees join the group.
Additionally, 100 seedlings were planted on the Iki site over a four-day period from the 15th to the 18th. The seedlings were planted on the periphery of the site, which had been cleared and improved last year. There are no deer on Iki, so the work was quick, requiring only the erection of support posts. Several trees had withered due to the salty winds blowing up from the sea, but the cherry trees planted last year had taken firm root.
Detailed surveying for the tunnel entrance is planned for the near future. The tunnel entrance on Iki will be located in the middle of a site where cherry blossoms are in full bloom, and the day is fast approaching when the Japan-Korea Tunnel will become a famous cherry blossom spot and a landmark of the island.
