The Selection/Designation Process for the Prefectural Symbol

Public participation in the design of a new prefectural ensign was advertised in 1966. The Prefecture received 1,615 plans, and the current design was selected by the Prefectural Ensign Selection Committee.

The ensign consists of three leaves of bush clover (hagi), with the middle leaf boldly symbolizing the everlasting development of Miyagi Prefecture. The left leaf represents the partnership and cooperation of prefectural residents, and the right leaf embodies the love for the home prefecture.

Although not officially ordained the prefectural flower by Miyagi Government, the Bush Clover Blossom is regarded as such by local residents throughout the prefecture. In 1955, NHK, the Japan Botanical Association and the Japan Travel Bureau jointly organized a nationwide search for local flowers. On March 22nd, Mr. Tomitaro Makino and Mr. Masaji Honda as members for the Local Flower Selection Central Committee, chose the Bush Clover Blossom which has since become a local favorite.

In response to the "National Greenery Nippon Movement" hosted by Mainichi Newspaper Co., Ltd., Miyagi Prefecture selected its prefectural tree under the auspices of the Miyagi Greenery Promotion Committee. The purpose for this selection was to foster greenery, symbolizing peace, the expansion of love of humankind and local districts. Five types of trees (the Weeping Cherry, the Shadberry, the Zelkova, the Fir and the Pine) all cherished by and familiar to local residents were nominated as candidates, to help establish a "greener" prefecture. A total of 30,613 votes were collected from residents, with the Zelkova obtaining the most votes.

On September 7th, 1966, the Zelkova was officially designated as the prefectural tree by the Miyagi Prefectural Tree Selection Committee, and was officially announced in the prefectural newsletter on September 30th, 1966.

When the Wildlife Protection Law was revised in March 1963, the prefecture was instructed by the under secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry to designate a bird and an animal as symbols of the prefecture. This was an initiative as part of the wildlife protection philosophy(Article 1, paragraph 2) necessary education project.

On March 19th, 1965, six kinds of animals and birds (the Deer, the Serow, the Black-tailed Gull, the Golden Eagle, the White-fronted Goose and the Sendai Willow Wren) were nominated after being presented to the wildlife council. As a result, the Goose for a bird, and the Deer for an animal obtained the most votes by local residents and it was reported to the directors meeting at the ministry. On July 30th, 1965, the Deer and the Goose were officially designated as prefectural wildlife, and officially announced through the prefectural newsletter.