Rikuzentakada, Iwate, Japan

After the tsunami, this tree was the only one left of over 70,000 pine trees in the coastal town of Rikuzentakada. It became a sign of hope for many in the area or the "miracle pine tree" as it was called by the locals. Unfortunately, salt water caused it to eventually die. But this fall, the town preserved it and put it back in place. This inspiring symbol will be at the center of a soon to be developed memorial park.