The Japanese red pine was adopted by Iwate, Okayama and Yamaguchi. It is reportedly regarded by residents of Yamaguchi as a symbol of will power because of its ability to grow on infertile land, even in the face of drought.
Japanese red pine was used in reconstructing the temple of the great image of Buddha at Todaiji temple, which was built eight hundred years ago. It was also used for the interior of the Matsu (pine) room of the new Imperial Palace.
The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism - 
