Life-sized dolls outnumber residents in declining Japanese village
livemint.com — October 30, 2024, 07:01 AM UTC
In Ichinono, Japan, life-sized dolls now outnumber the village's residents. These dolls, crafted by locals, aim to bring vibrancy to a community facing significant population decline, where most residents are over 65 years old. The village has seen a demographic shift as younger generations moved to cities for better opportunities. The arrival of a young couple during the COVID-19 pandemic has sparked hope, as they embrace rural life and work to preserve the village. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has pledged to revitalize rural Japan with new policies. However, experts caution that past funding often prioritized flashy projects over sustainable community support. Villagers like Toshiki Kato are focused on gradual improvements.