To greg: not too difficult

[Klapaucius]

Its not too difficult to imagine, considering the respect that the Japanese have for nature. I'm speculating that this plant may be a protected species, but I'm not an expert so can't make a precise identification.

How would you account for a plant in a carefully cut out circle, in the middle of a road?

[greg]

Well, I think that if you really cared about the plant, you could probably do better than asphalt over its environment to a radius of 10 cm... It's going to be toasted when the summer comes. For sure it's a peculiar curiosity, but I think the motive must be another. I can't really make a guess without seeing the context.

[Klapaucius]

I posted another photo as workshop, to show the area where the plant was found. Its not perfect as the plant isn't in shot.
I'll be returning there next month, so I'm interested in seeing if the plant is still there.
Rather than the summer, I wonder if the plant would survive winter in Akita.