About
Nestled amidst the verdant mountains of Tokushima Prefecture, the village of Nagoro stands as a testament to human creativity and resilience. Perched at an elevation of approximately 900 meters, this secluded hamlet, often referred to as the "Village of Scarecrows," offers a unique tableau where the line between the animate and inanimate blurs.
As one meanders through the winding paths of Nagoro, they are greeted by a multitude of life-sized scarecrows, each meticulously crafted and positioned to depict scenes of daily life. At the bus stop, a group appears to await the next ride; in the fields, farmers seem to toil under the sun; near the school, children are frozen in playful antics. These figures, numbering over 300, outnumber the human residents, creating an atmosphere both whimsical and poignant. (miyoshi-tourism.jp)
The genesis of this remarkable transformation traces back to Tsukimi Ayano, a native who returned to her childhood home after years away. In an effort to deter birds from her garden, she fashioned a scarecrow in the likeness of her father. The resemblance was so striking that neighbors began to greet the figure, mistaking it for a real person. Inspired by this response, Ayano embarked on a mission to repopulate her dwindling village with these handcrafted inhabitants. (nippon.com)
Each scarecrow is a labor of love, constructed with wooden frames, dressed in recycled clothing, and imbued with distinct personalities. A "Scarecrow Village Registry" exists, detailing the names, ages, and backstories of these silent residents. For instance, the village mayor, Yūjirō Tsuzuki, is described as a former city dweller who returned to Nagoro to serve his community, embodying the spirit of dedication and service. (nippon.com)
The presence of these figures serves multiple purposes. They stand as guardians of memory, representing friends and family who have moved away or passed on. They also act as a draw for visitors from around the world, intrigued by the village's unique charm and the stories it tells. The annual "Scarecrow Festival," held every October, celebrates this tradition, inviting people to engage with the art of scarecrow-making and to immerse themselves in the village's culture. (tanoshii-daisuki.com)
Beyond the scarecrows, Nagoro offers a glimpse into a way of life that is slowly fading. Traditional thatched-roof houses dot the landscape, and the surrounding forests and rivers provide a serene backdrop. The air is crisp, carrying the scent of cedar and the distant murmur of flowing water. In the early mornings, mist often blankets the village, lending an ethereal quality to the already surreal scene.
Visiting Nagoro is more than a journey to a remote village; it's an exploration of themes like community, memory, and the human desire to leave a mark. The scarecrows, with their silent gazes and frozen postures, invite reflection on the passage of time and the stories that shape our lives. They remind us that even in the face of change and loss, creativity can breathe life into the most unexpected places.
In this hidden corner of Japan, where the mountains meet the sky, Nagoro stands as a living art installation, a poignant reminder of the enduring human spirit and the stories we tell to keep our histories alive.