Recently, there has been a lot of talk about rising prices of things.
This is the story of “Neagari Pine Tree”(Root-Raised Pine).

On the tourism guide site of Kan’onji City, where this natural monument resides, it is described as follows:

A rare Japanese black pine, designated as a natural monument, with its aged roots exposed above ground, stands at approximately 3 meters in height, and its roots spread about 1 meter in all directions. The exposure of the roots is believed to be a result of various factors such as soil weathering and the pine’s age, making it a truly artistic creation by nature. The pine, even with its roots protruding from the ground, continues to live, making it a remarkably rare and precious specimen. It is also considered a spot for attracting good fortune, known as ‘Neagari’ (root-raising), drawing people who seek blessings for increased stock prices, salary raises, and the like.
(Translated by ChatGPT. We do not use a real  “Neagari Pine Tree in Kan’onji City” picture due to Copyright.)

Like this pine, thriving against various challenging conditions, we wish to shine despite adversity. This “Green Essay”, which began in September 2018, will temporarily conclude with this entry. Starting from January, we will start blog posts in a different format. Thank you very much for your continued support.