The genus Zelkova includes about half a dozen trees that are mostly native to East Asia, particularly Japan. They are similar in appearance to elms, to which they are closely they are related, and are popular shade trees in North America.
The Japanese Zelkova is the official tree of Fukushima, Miyagi and Saitama. Miyagi adopted the Japanese Zelkova on September 30, 1966. According to Miyagi’s official website, “Jozenji Boulevard in Sendai is lined with zelkova trees. In winter the trees are decorated for the Star Pageant and in late summer, the trees keep music lovers cool while they listen to the Jazz Festival.”
The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism - 
