A 3,000-year-old iconic cedar tree on Yakushima Island in southwestern Japan has fallen, possibly due to Typhoon Shanshan.
Known as “Yayoisugi”, the cedar tree stands 26 meters tall with a trunk circumference of approximately 8 meters. It is a highlight of the Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine scenic area on Yakushima Island.
The 3,000-year-old cedar tree toppled by Typhoon Shanshan – (Photo: Kyodo).
According to information from local tour guides on September 3, the fallen cedar tree was discovered on August 31.
The regional meteorological agency reported that Typhoon Shanshan approached Yakushima Island between August 27 and 29, with wind speeds reaching up to 168.48 km/h.
Yakushima Island is famous for its cedar trees that are over 1,000 years old, recognized as a World Natural Heritage site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1993.
The cedar tree before it fell – (Photo: The Yomiuri Shimbun).
Typhoon Shanshan made landfall in Japan on August 29, bringing torrential rain and fierce winds, causing chaos and hardship for the people in the “Land of the Rising Sun.”
According to Japan’s Disaster Management Agency, at least 6 people have died and over 100 have been injured due to the storm.
