OTSUCHI-CHO, Japan (May 28, 2013) — Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd. planted about 5,000 trees recently in Otsuchi-Cho to help support the recovery of the coastal town of Otsuchi-Cho, one of the areas severely affected by the March 2011 earthquake that hit the country.
More than 550 persons, including 160 Otsuchi residents, planted broad-leafed evergreen seedlings indigenous to the local area. Guests included the mayor of Otsuchi, representatives of supporting companies, plant ecologist Akira Miyawaki and former Formula 1 driver Ukyo Katayama.
Yokohama Chairman and CEO Tadanobu Nagumo, President Hikomitsu Noji and 54 employee volunteers were among the 245 from the tire maker to attend the planting.
The event marked the second phase of tree planting on a mound created from disaster debris — woody debris (only natural wood, not construction materials), earth and sand, and non-combustible earthy debris such as concrete pieces. Use of disaster debris in such mounds not only helps reduce the cost of its disposal and obviates carbon dioxide emissions from incineration, but will facilitate growth of the seedlings, Yokohama said.