This restoration project was performed in collaboration with Yatomi Seizai Co.,Ltd. and I worked as a technical supporter.

The tree, which had been hit by lightning, is worshiped by locals. The tree has an atmosphere full of dignity with its unique appearance and a hollow inside and a carbonized surface, fit to be called “the sacred tree”.

Yet its roots were not alive, the carbonized surface was peeling off, and the tree was weathering. It was obvious that we needed to reinforce the tree immediately, but there was no fixed answer about how we could keep the dignified appearance of the weathering tree as it was while applying artificial treatment. We needed to ask ourselves repeatedly if we were heading in the right direction.

While examining with the staff from Yatomi Seizai about what kinds of treatments, materials, and the processes we should choose, I mainly supported reinforcing the structure of the tree and fixing the carbon on its surface.