Fukushima cherry trees planted for disaster recovery near full bloom

In Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture, 50 early-blooming Tairyo-zakura cherry trees planted as hope for the once-bustling fishing town's recovery from the 2011 tsunami are about to reach full bloom. The trees were planted eight years ago next to the city's temporary housing for disaster victims, where many people who lost their homes live.

The tsunami washed away over 400 houses and left 85 people in the area dead. Residents, seeing the delicate flowers blossom, said they want to ensure people remember the events of March 11, 2011 and can one day recapture the good feelings they had about Iwaki before the disaster.