This project aims to preserve a cherry tree over 78 years old in the Ikane district of Tada, Fukuoka Prefecture, passing it on to future generations. Twelve members of the student council at the local Ikane Gakuen school are spearheading the effort, working together with community residents to restore and protect the aging tree.
Through a donation-based crowdfunding campaign on READYFOR, one of Japan's major crowdfunding platforms, the group is raising funds for the care of the old tree as well as new plantings needed for its regeneration.
By uniting the school and the community around this shared symbol, the project tells a story of intergenerational stewardship—an effort to carry a beloved local landmark into the future.
Highlights
- Children themselves are the initiators, drawing adults into the cause and inspiring empathy
- The specific figure of '78 years' lends the tree a strong sense of history and narrative weight
- The project is designed to involve multiple generations—school, residents, and alumni alike
Why this campaign attracts support
Editorial analysis based on publicly available information. It is not a confirmed account of why backers chose to give.
This campaign's strength lies in centering a cherry tree—a shared symbol and 'memory device' for the community—around children who take the initiative themselves. Having the student council, a visible and relatable group of messengers, lead the campaign gives it a different emotional register than typical nature conservation or facility repair projects. It stirs nostalgia among alumni, local residents, and even former residents who have since moved away. The specific age of 78 years reminds supporters that the tree has witnessed the community's history firsthand, giving them a sense that by donating, they become part of that ongoing story. Because children are leading the effort, contributing feels less like a simple donation and more like supporting the next generation—lowering the psychological barrier to give. The involvement of a school, an open and trusted institution, also reassures first-time crowdfunding supporters. For people outside the region, the theme of 'rural education meets local heritage' resonates strongly, encouraging genuine acts of support rather than transactional 'purchase-style' giving.
Did this article help you?
A note from the editors
What stands out about this project is how children themselves are driving the effort to protect a community landmark. When advocating for the preservation of local heritage, putting the voices of the young people directly affected at the forefront—rather than relying solely on officials or adults—helps supporters feel they are investing in the future. For anyone planning fundraising related to community development or school projects, this case offers a valuable example of how to choose your messengers and craft a compelling narrative.