Ichinono Village Uses Puppets Amid Declining Population

Ichinono, a small village in southern Japan, faces a population decline with fewer than 60 residents, most of whom are elderly, as younger generations migrate to urban areas for better opportunities. To combat loneliness and maintain a semblance of community life, the villagers have created an array of life-sized puppets, made from old clothes and fabrics, which now outnumber the human population. These puppets are positioned throughout the village, engaging in everyday activities like riding bikes and collecting firewood. Hisayo Yamazaki, an 88-year-old widow, remarked on the peculiar situation, stating, 'We’re probably outnumbered by puppets.' The village recently welcomed its first baby in over twenty years, offering a glimmer of hope for the future. Local leaders warn that without new residents, the village could face extinction.