Moth orchid producers in Katsurao, Fukushima Prefecture, as with most businesses, have been hit hard because of the novel coronavirus pandemic. But the flower makers are determined to spread hope through a message embedded into the orchids they produce.
After the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake that triggered a destructive tsunami and a nuclear crises in the prefecture, facilities to cultivate orchids were constructed to replace the bountiful agriculture that was shunned by consumers due to harmful rumors about radioactive contamination.
To spread hope for the reconstruction of Fukushima Prefecture, the orchid -- named Hope White -- was developed to be typically used as gifts.
However, demand for moth orchids plummeted soon after the pandemic struck and producers have been struggling as a result. Workers cultivating Hope White orchids at Katsurao Kochoran Godo Gaisha were recently ordered to cut up the plants and dispose of them.
"Slicing up the flowers meant to symbolize hope is tough," said company employee Hirosumi Sugishita, 39.
The producers are waiting for the day when it will be possible to once again spread their flowers of hope nationwide after the spread of the virus is brought under control.
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