Japanese Village Uses Dolls to Combat Loneliness

In the rural Japanese village of Ichinono, with a population of fewer than 60 elderly residents, locals have turned to crafting life-sized mannequins to combat loneliness and recreate a sense of community as younger generations migrate to urban areas. These puppets, made from old clothes and materials, are positioned throughout the village engaging in everyday activities, symbolizing the community's past vibrancy. The village's demographic challenges are stark, with 29% of Japan's population aged 65 and older, and a record low birthrate contributing to a steady decline in rural populations. Recently, the village welcomed its first child in 20 years, two-year-old Kuranosuke, born to a couple who moved from Osaka, offering a glimmer of hope for the future. The initiative highlights both the creativity of the residents in addressing their solitude and the broader issues Japan faces with its ageing population and rural depopulation. Government efforts to revitalize rural areas, including financial incentives for families to relocate, have seen limited success.