Gifu’s official tree is the ichii, or Japanese yew. It was chosen during the “Green Promotion National Campaign” in 1966.
In ancient Japan, wood from this tree was used to make the Emperor’s shaku (scepter). The Emperor gave the shaku manufacturer an important title called Sho-Ichii, and the tree became known as the Ichii.
Only woodworking masters are able to carve the best Ichii sculptures. They use wood that is centuries old, patiently carving and chiseling it by hand. Gifu Prefecture’s Hida area is famous for its ichii crafts.
The Japanese yew is native to Japan, Korea and Manchuria, where it grows to fifty feet tall. It has also become popular in North America, where it is usually grown as a compact, spreading shrub. In Japan, this tree is admired for its ability to survive strong winds and snow in the high mountains.
The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism - 
