This Japanese Town Replaced Humans With Scarecrows

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ม.ค. 2025

ความคิดเห็น • 1.5K

  • @TokyoLens
    @TokyoLens  4 ปีที่แล้ว +533

    Would you make the trip? How about at night?
    Hope you all enjoyed this one. I will see you in the comments below!!

    • @elflass5544
      @elflass5544 4 ปีที่แล้ว +14

      I think it would definitely be weirder at night. Forget the bears; you see something's eyes flash and it's one of those dolls. Omg...did it move?? Could you sleep through that, Norm? ;)

    • @thempstead
      @thempstead 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      ""almost frightening at times" .... Oh yes I imagine so, particularly at night.
      Although during the day even are you sure that they don't move whenever you look away ....

    • @memeranglaut
      @memeranglaut 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Man, it's impressive. Also hey James May!

    • @DanOnTheGo1
      @DanOnTheGo1 4 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      I think I would love to visit this town and I'm thinking more and more about moving to Japan for maybe a 6months or a year when Covid is over and it might be nice to even live in a small town like this. Though at night the dolls might be a bit freaky, especially if I have a few Strong Zero's in me HAHAHAHAHA

    • @XShadowPrincessXx
      @XShadowPrincessXx 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      I would definitely want to visit also maybe not at night 😅

  • @Natalia-mi4su
    @Natalia-mi4su 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2361

    In some way i feel kinda sad about this. Yeah, it's creepy, but when you look closer it has a vibe of loneliness and longing😞

    • @u13erfitz
      @u13erfitz 4 ปีที่แล้ว +145

      It’s the saddest thing I have seen. But I see it everywhere rural. I used to work as expeditor traveling all over the US. You see it everywhere. Boarded up shops and abandoned homes. No children. People desperate to talk to you and pump up their town cause everyone leaves and no one says. Just the grief of an abandoned place and an abandoned people is immeasurable. This reminds me so much of Cairo IL.

    • @Cyberdyne_research
      @Cyberdyne_research 4 ปีที่แล้ว +69

      200 years from now no one will remember us or that we even existed. You don't remember some railroad tie maker from 1820 do you? It's a sad fact of humanity. Best you can do is live for yourself and make sure you enjoy your minutes.

    • @ivyanabo173
      @ivyanabo173 4 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      Yeah, it also made me sad.

    • @stanfoo1175
      @stanfoo1175 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Gaurav Verma 1412 Living for yourself does not make you a psychopath, Mr. Psychologist. He is just being realistic. No one will remember you, much like no one will remember me.

    • @henrygod69
      @henrygod69 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Yes. All I can think about is the dolls represent the people who are gone and back when this town lively.

  • @g.g.7058
    @g.g.7058 4 ปีที่แล้ว +945

    Ghibli Studios needs to make a movie about this town.

    • @matket5192
      @matket5192 4 ปีที่แล้ว +25

      Omg genius.. Yes!! I stand by that idea.

    • @saikeiii
      @saikeiii 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      (2)

    • @amaranth4420
      @amaranth4420 4 ปีที่แล้ว +14

      Yesplease and im already crying

    • @NPC02006
      @NPC02006 4 ปีที่แล้ว +54

      The story can go like: When a person passes on, their memory is brought back to life with the Kakashi dolls and its the only way for the main character to interact with her loved ones. She must save the town from a big corporate development that is planning to destroy the village. At the end, the story reveals that the CEO came from this village long ago and eventually finding his deceased parents with an emotional closure.

    • @yukirin2120
      @yukirin2120 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      @@NPC02006 this is genius !! i really want this so bad!

  • @AbroadinJapan
    @AbroadinJapan 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1879

    The town was amazing but the school gym was next level. Genuinely quite trippy seeing that.
    Incredible video mate and expertly handled!

    • @nolisarmiento1719
      @nolisarmiento1719 4 ปีที่แล้ว +22

      Tokyo Lens has shown us his perspective on this town......I hope to see your take on this town

    • @TokyoLens
      @TokyoLens  4 ปีที่แล้ว +69

      Cheers mate~
      Just wait till the next doc 😉

    • @manspider1833
      @manspider1833 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@nolisarmiento1719 For now you can see James May's perspective as he visits this place too in his 6 part documentary of Japan. Available on Prime Video or just pirate it.

    • @FirstLast-uz6eq
      @FirstLast-uz6eq 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I cried when I saw the gym.

    • @bennyang8049
      @bennyang8049 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It is settled then. A Natsuki episode with Chris Broad and Ryotaro

  • @reefleaf7326
    @reefleaf7326 4 ปีที่แล้ว +284

    "Nobody wants to be forgotten". This hit hard

  • @Mysticpoisen
    @Mysticpoisen 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1359

    "Nobody wants to be forgotten"
    Oof, you got me right in the feels there Norm.

    • @TokyoLens
      @TokyoLens  4 ปีที่แล้ว +24

      😢

    • @lynda.grace.14
      @lynda.grace.14 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      No worries. We will be.... Inevitable.

    • @reieben886
      @reieben886 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      That doesn't matter if you got forgotten.. death is technically a rest you would not have any bussiness again with the living.. especially if you christian, the scripture said death = rest/sleep

  • @ivannierez7731
    @ivannierez7731 4 ปีที่แล้ว +256

    My dad it's from a small village in South America. Went back during his 30's out of curiosity, nature took it all, swallowed by the river. He keeps a painting in the living room says it reminds him of his village. Makes me think of how my generation has a picture for everything. We can easily travel to the past and show it to others but for my dad there only this painting that has a semblance to a town that only exists in his memories now.

  • @AstorReinhardt
    @AstorReinhardt 4 ปีที่แล้ว +803

    I feel both sad and creeped out. It's a bit depressing that their village will eventually fade away when they all pass on.

    • @narnia1233
      @narnia1233 4 ปีที่แล้ว +25

      I think land is always valuable. People might not appreciate it now but eventually the people living in tight quarters will want more space that’s less expensive. Plus isn’t there a way to make faster transportation to the rural areas? That way you could have best of both worlds, more space and faster commute. I dunno. I wonder why ppl move to city as I thought Japan isn’t that large of a country. Couldn’t they build fast railways throughout? I mean, here in US an hour commute one way to work is normal. What’s the average commute in Japan? And also, if everything goes to online then a commute might no longer matter.

    • @miyako1909
      @miyako1909 4 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      @@narnia1233 An hour commute to work would be terrible in Japan. The work culture there is way different from the West. Japanese have to work really long hours and they are expected to work overtime without being asked. Many of them wake up at 6 am and only get home after 10 pm. Adding the commute time and they would not even have time to rest, eat, bath and other activities. And the bosses always want employees to show up immediately whenever something happened.

    • @gokublack3107
      @gokublack3107 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I make me laugh Lol 😂

  • @Gigalink07
    @Gigalink07 4 ปีที่แล้ว +206

    Imagine this town once a very lively village, where kids run around the streets, you'll hear them everywhere, people greet each others whenever walking around. Everything was vibrant and no dolls were made except for those little dolls for the kids. Now it's all silent where everything you see is motionless until you take a closer look it's all just dolls.

    • @r3ll282
      @r3ll282 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Im afraid this will also happen to my village, watching this is more painful when you know your village could be next

    • @Veratheprettiest
      @Veratheprettiest 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@r3ll282 something in me has hope that at some point when the cities run out of space, people will start populating the countryside again and bring more opportunities there. Who knows.

    • @heavenlysadist
      @heavenlysadist 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      STOP MAKING ME CRY 😭 IM LIVING IN MY COUSIN COUNTRYSIDE AND NOW IM SAD TO MOVE IF THAT HAPPENS
      In my cousin place, of course there are kids running and playing, don't make me feel nostalgic!! 😓😓

  • @sharlainjapan
    @sharlainjapan 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1215

    This town has the vibe of a Goosebumps book and I love ittttt

    • @TokyoLens
      @TokyoLens  4 ปีที่แล้ว +44

      Hahaha reeeeeallllyyyy does
      Man... I remember staying up late reading those lol
      Memories!!

    • @alexb8926
      @alexb8926 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Dam the 90s 👍🏼😎

    • @alphamike87
      @alphamike87 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Sharmeleon a new book idea Sharla lol

    • @victorscott6475
      @victorscott6475 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Woah so awesome to see you in these comments!! Sharla you should definitely go check it out!!;)

    • @hchich2528
      @hchich2528 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      *READER BEWARE YOU'RE IN FOR A SCARE*

  • @holicandy01
    @holicandy01 4 ปีที่แล้ว +66

    This is an art instalation. This village and their kakashi, Ayano-san and everyone deserve exposition and recognition. This video is great!

    • @tradutorajuliana
      @tradutorajuliana 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I see it as an art installtion too, pretty great if they had some kind of tourism there for foreigners

  • @christopherjohnson6993
    @christopherjohnson6993 4 ปีที่แล้ว +637

    The guy seemed so happy explaining the gym. Even though he didn’t create them himself, it shows how proud country folk can be and that the country has culture too and that small amount of culture makes the residents happy and us too. And those memories of that culture we experience keep the town alive.

    • @Govnar658
      @Govnar658 4 ปีที่แล้ว +14

      "Towns have culture too" If anything culture originates from towns and cities are killing it

  • @RayMak
    @RayMak 4 ปีที่แล้ว +386

    Kakashi Sensei... I need your Sharigan

  • @nicoleyuen2645
    @nicoleyuen2645 4 ปีที่แล้ว +290

    The stories of the older generation are often lost or end when it’s only oral tradition. This town and the story you show have a beautiful romance to it - I hope more countryside villages will be able to preserve their stories like this one

    • @TokyoLens
      @TokyoLens  4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      I hope so too

  • @ruteabdo
    @ruteabdo 4 ปีที่แล้ว +22

    Oh man.. I'm crying. This is so sad... So lonely.
    The dools are amazing, but must be so heartbreaking not having the same energy with kids running around, people walking on the street.. 😭

  • @poasttoasties6655
    @poasttoasties6655 4 ปีที่แล้ว +334

    “I came back to my abandoned town to see all the people were gone so i decided, i’ll make some.”

    • @araigomi_nxs
      @araigomi_nxs 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      sounds like an isekai anime title

  • @jefferychew9137
    @jefferychew9137 4 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    Japanese villages always give me this wholesome vibe and makes me feel like home.

  • @vilAvain
    @vilAvain 4 ปีที่แล้ว +90

    As a gen z, id be happy to move there! I feel like ppl should open up a national park or just some place to camp and hike. Id absolutely love to explore the woods there. Gives me massive twin peaks vibe.

    • @jellyfishlotusdream
      @jellyfishlotusdream 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Same it looks pretty interesting and peaceful!

    • @heavenlysadist
      @heavenlysadist 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I'm a old-fashioned, I want to stay in a meiji japanese style home!

    • @tradutorajuliana
      @tradutorajuliana 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I would explore there too, look at the nature around, they should do something to get foreigners to go there

  • @wingateven
    @wingateven 4 ปีที่แล้ว +394

    One of them dolls is James may from top gear. He visited the area for Japanese show he did, it’s the blonde hair one with blue shirt you showed :)

    • @ghostsenpai1093
      @ghostsenpai1093 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      yup, I watched it on TV :D

    • @junespiritu3234
      @junespiritu3234 4 ปีที่แล้ว +22

      I am glad James May doll was still there.

    • @princessthyemis
      @princessthyemis 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Wow!

    • @TheRiotPunkGirl
      @TheRiotPunkGirl 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      That's awesome!

    • @thatdesiree
      @thatdesiree 4 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      Yes! I was just coming to say this too. Our Man In Japan was soooo good :)

  • @jerma1678
    @jerma1678 4 ปีที่แล้ว +22

    This is beautiful & heartbreaking,💔
    "No one wanted to be forgotten" ~😢

  • @BurgerSliderMan
    @BurgerSliderMan 4 ปีที่แล้ว +154

    This really hit me in the heart. I lived in the Chiba countryside before moving into Tokyo, and I took 3 trips down to Tateyama.
    The first time I went, it looked, not run down, but not as populated as youd think. The station had this interesting, California-vibe type of architecture. Walking around, it looked pretty fun and normal. There was a castle, where it seemed like where everyone converged and hungout.
    The second time I went, I took a long walk all over the town. There were so many abandoned houses and businesses. One particular house looked like it had been abandoned for a very long time, you would think it was a patch of forest and bamboo if you didnt peek through.
    The third time I went was after the typhoon. I went to volunteer and got blue tarps to bring them as they were short on that and supplies.
    While the countryside lifestyle is slowly diminishing because of the population change and younger people wanting to live near the city, I think that years from now, it could flip. Connecting transportation vehicles, faster modes, etc.
    Might bring everyone together and possibly bring a second renaissance of living in the countryside. At least, I hope. I feel sadness when I remember the folks I met living over there. This video brought up those memories.

    • @shafwandito4724
      @shafwandito4724 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      There's some young people who want to live away from the city but can't since they work/school in the city.
      Me example, I want to live in a countryside after living in hectic, pollution, hot city. but I damn know I need some transport that can take me to the city because that's where most of stuff available.
      It's true what you said. Just give more transport that connected to that city, and in a short time, it would transform into a suburban where people could live and commute to the city everyday.

  • @josephmotter
    @josephmotter 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    This woman must really love her town! To leave and then come back and find all those people gone, she has an amazing skill and art of reviving the town even though nobody’s there. I really hope to pan starts to move back into these old towns and revive them. Now with the ease that was created from Covid to work at home, maybe that will become more possible! Great video!

  • @elflass5544
    @elflass5544 4 ปีที่แล้ว +89

    I actually saw this town mentioned on i think NHK the other day (after your livestream)& gotta say, you give more info. I'm not frightened (in daylight anyway, heh) but it has a bittersweet feel that she is memorializing people she knows/knew. Nice video, Norm~

    • @TokyoLens
      @TokyoLens  4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Thanks so much eh 😊

  • @bridget_6892
    @bridget_6892 4 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    It's a lovely creative way to battle loneliness. I wish the narrator would not say it's creepy. I will think happy thoughts for them and say loving prayers.🌸

  • @lynda.grace.14
    @lynda.grace.14 4 ปีที่แล้ว +71

    This video is like an elegy. Wrenching. Haunting. Shattering beauty--like the dolls themselves.

  • @ricardoarevalo7635
    @ricardoarevalo7635 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    “No one wants to be forgotten” it’s a beautiful and sense hitting video... thanks man.

  • @jared1x78
    @jared1x78 4 ปีที่แล้ว +167

    Everyone gangster before the dolls start moving

    • @pooja350
      @pooja350 4 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      I suspect they actually do move at night

  • @eugeneh.7205
    @eugeneh.7205 4 ปีที่แล้ว +133

    That was really beautiful but sad at the same time....having to replace the citizens of the town with dolls....
    it'd be really creepy to drive thru the village if I did not know about this beforehand....
    thanks for this documentary, and please keep doing more, and do stay safe Norm ^^

    • @TokyoLens
      @TokyoLens  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks so much~

  • @kristinem.7700
    @kristinem.7700 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    When 4:49 rolled in, "nobody wants to be forgotten", it hit me right in the feels.
    The kakashis are great and all, but watching this emits profound loneliness in many ways I cannot describe. My heart goes out to the few people who live there, thank you for sharing us their story.

  • @navedabbasi163
    @navedabbasi163 4 ปีที่แล้ว +56

    I feel more sad about those other villages that don't have someone like Ayano san.
    Great video, I wish someone can document their stories and lives. Immortalizing them in a way.

  • @artesaniasnasson
    @artesaniasnasson ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Please came back when you can, i am looking forwad to listen that lady's history, just a special person can make special things like this ❤

  • @overthecounterbeanie
    @overthecounterbeanie 4 ปีที่แล้ว +461

    This would be an amazing premise for a horror film: "Night of the Living Kakashi".

    • @TokyoLens
      @TokyoLens  4 ปีที่แล้ว +20

      Agreed

    • @tommywhistle
      @tommywhistle 4 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      kakashi hatake

    • @simplestrum
      @simplestrum 4 ปีที่แล้ว +15

      And it will be claimed as "based on a true story" just by the fact that this village exists.

    • @ScooterSMcGee
      @ScooterSMcGee 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      I was thinking the same thing

    • @ScooterSMcGee
      @ScooterSMcGee 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Thank you for the creative content. It must be hard during these times. Thank you for the energy in keeping the content coming.

  • @viceadmiralyuen
    @viceadmiralyuen 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Hey Norm, I just viewed your new video a few days ago and this original video of the village popped up. Glad you were able to return and interview Ayano-San. She is very genki.

  • @fiwi4349
    @fiwi4349 4 ปีที่แล้ว +328

    I translated and submitted it so that Ayano-san can watch this documentary. Hope it'll help.

  • @makesomethinggood4896
    @makesomethinggood4896 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    The village is both eerie and sad from its slow decline. It makes me think about how we need each other to survive, and the longer you cut yourself off from others, or others leave you, life seems to fade away.

  • @ScuubaSteefe
    @ScuubaSteefe 4 ปีที่แล้ว +22

    It's so incredibly sad yet charming at the same time. I was raised in a small town while growing up in Puerto Rico and every day I think about how bad things are there, how hurricanes tear apart the infrastructure, the economy being in shambles, etc. Small towns really do feel the brunt of the passage of time

    • @TokyoLens
      @TokyoLens  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      They really do

  • @sepiro4866
    @sepiro4866 4 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    It's depressing and heartwarming at the same time how they named all the kakashi/dolls/scare crows after a real person who lived there just to preserve their memories to the village

  • @Curly3373
    @Curly3373 4 ปีที่แล้ว +47

    I have a bittersweet feeling watching this documentary. It is well done anyway. 👍

    • @TokyoLens
      @TokyoLens  4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Thanks so much~

  • @dattmay
    @dattmay 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I’ve seen a ton of videos about this town (or other similar ones), but none compared to the one you made about Nagaro. One of the earlier videos of yours that I watched, I really enjoyed seeing your take on the subject and the stunning shots paired with your fantastic music choices.

  • @sukhdev1989
    @sukhdev1989 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I love that you couldn't show Ayano-san, it adds a layer of mystery to an already great story. Seriously this needs to be a full feature length documentary or even a narrative film. Great video 😀👍🏾

  • @00sof
    @00sof 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I’m actually tearing up - for her to go back home after some time and seeing such a drastic change and loss from, assuming, her childhood... and the effort whilst making those dolls, and imagine thinking of every person that has left the town.... man..

  • @KirstenReusch
    @KirstenReusch 4 ปีที่แล้ว +45

    Beautiful craftswomanship and absolutely breathtaking scenery - enhanced by rainy & typhoon season. It's heartbreaking that so many villages are losing their populations and disappearing. I too hope that regulations change so that smaller places like this can see revitalization. While Japan has it's superstitions and "mosters", this is not scary. This is someone's passion for celebrating life as it was known and a hope that someday it will be robust and thriving again. Thank you for another stunning view into rural Japan.

    • @nullvoid564
      @nullvoid564 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      When you move from a heavily populated town that doesn't have enough jobs for the people who live there you CAN go to a more rural area where they are looking to hire able bodied working are people.
      BUT if the area does NOT have a job that pays enough to for somebody to be able to afford to move.
      Housing can be peoples largest expense so if you were to throw in a free or next to nothing house for successful job applicants who settle there to take up work,
      Low pay and fewer opportunities drive people away but if you have a bunch of disused houses the local authority can offer them to those who would consider settling in their village.
      I have moved from an English town of about 200,000 to a village of about 100 on a Scottish island and i did so because there were Jobs/opportunities and the place i came from was an absolute dump, but i can say i know a little bit about the subject from doing that.
      I didn't pick my area arbitrarily and there were a whole bunch of areas that i saw as financially unfeasible and if you want to attract people you need to look at it from the perspective of the kind of people who would move to a place and appreciate it for what it is!
      people would be worried they will spend a chunk or all of their savings to make it work and leave empty handed.
      Ask *Why would they?* and *why don't/haven't they?*

  • @yoroshiku137
    @yoroshiku137 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    This was both sad and endearingly adorable simultaneously. Ayano-san seems like a jewel. May she live many more years, and may her town prosper with many more of her creations.

  • @TokyoLens
    @TokyoLens  4 ปีที่แล้ว +344

    How many of you noticed the phone call? 😉

    • @trevorrandom
      @trevorrandom 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Me look forward to going back! ☺

    • @rubyshoes1032
      @rubyshoes1032 4 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      Bless her so much. I'm looking forward to you going back too so we can all meet her.

    • @alphamike87
      @alphamike87 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Awesome brother

    • @Gantorin
      @Gantorin 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@rubyshoes1032 I agree with you. This story must be told further.

    • @erineclair
      @erineclair 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Me. I was suprised there was more. I look forward to it

  • @petouser
    @petouser 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Sometimes I'm questioning myself what I find so magic about Japan. But cases like this remind me of that. I can't find words for this. Absolutely fascinating.

  • @machanhernan
    @machanhernan 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I had heard about Nagoro and Ayano-san before but I appreciate your perspective and the respect you show for them and rural life in general.

  • @DanOnTheGo1
    @DanOnTheGo1 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    This is beautiful, loving, sad and a little depressing all at the same time. It's a beautiful story all around. Thanks for sharing Norm 😊

    • @TokyoLens
      @TokyoLens  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks for watching~

  • @plant_sen
    @plant_sen 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Really nice vids! As someone who worked and lived in the inaka for two years before moving to Tokyo, this really hits home haha! Thanks for the uploads 🙏🥰

  • @leciadunham6033
    @leciadunham6033 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I found this town completely heartbreaking. That it was so empty that someone felt the need to fill up the empty space in the town with kakashi. If nothing else, I hope they get more travelers passing through.

  • @redcloudshaman2509
    @redcloudshaman2509 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    There are so many amazing things and places to see in Japan. I think in these deep country communities, they feel loneliness and miss the children and activities. It's kind of sad in a way.
    I love your photo documentaries. Great Job and Subscribed!

  • @thehat2032
    @thehat2032 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Actually really beautiful. Leaves me envious, I'd quite like to find a way to live and work in Japan for a time and do some exploring.

  • @fitbmx7744
    @fitbmx7744 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    My first thought was "Spoocy." But then I saw the detailed faces, the close of workers, and children. That this was all memories that are trying not to be forgotten. That's when I realized I was a half second from crying. The emotion in this is incredible, and beautiful.
    I live just outside of a tiny town in Kansas, U.S.A. and I watch it slowly dry up year after year.
    Thank you for this video.

  • @Spikeballmanexe
    @Spikeballmanexe 4 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    Man, that gym scene hit a little different, just imagining all those dolls as real people kinda made the reality of it sad...but as always great job Norm!

  • @chenalindelossantos967
    @chenalindelossantos967 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    these videos. they're so heartfelt, different. This one athl the start it feels creepy, but later on when we see the bigger picture, it's actually sad.

  • @mynameis8371
    @mynameis8371 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    When you mention about how it will looks like in 10, 20, 30 years ahead, i teared up, really. To imagine this much of a change is incredible

  • @jaysdood
    @jaysdood 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    This is really sad. Its such a shame those people don't have young adults and children to share their town and lives with.

  • @missanthropocene2020
    @missanthropocene2020 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    At first I thought it was creepy- but actually it’s just really lonely. I’d love to go one day and say hello to the locals.

  • @sundayspecial2722
    @sundayspecial2722 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    TH-cam algorithm brought me to your channel and wow...this time its recommendation is amazing. I find this video so calming, genuine, sad, and creepy at the same time. If someday I can go to Japan, I really want to visit this village. I only want to make the people happy, just like the way you do. 😊
    Looking forward to seeing your other heartwarming documentaries. 😊

  • @herareinabelleenabong4552
    @herareinabelleenabong4552 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    It hits when he said " nobody wants to be forgotten."

  • @chaoticgewd96
    @chaoticgewd96 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    This is still my fav vlog representing this hidden village, its calm, respectful, polite & entertaining to watch.❤a lots of information, not too loud. Love it. 😄

    • @TokyoLens
      @TokyoLens  4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@chaoticgewd96 then you’re gonna love what is about to drop next week 😜

  • @samuelray8582
    @samuelray8582 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    3:08 James May is officially in the memory of that town

  • @CubicIronPyrite
    @CubicIronPyrite 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This breaks my heart. A town once full of youth and life, is now full of memories, not yet forgotten.

  • @carmenation
    @carmenation 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Wow this is amazing! I would love to visit this village especially at night ☺️

    • @TokyoLens
      @TokyoLens  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      10/10 while recommend

  • @Bigz568
    @Bigz568 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    "No one wants to be forgotten"
    ....That hit me in the feels....such a great video, Norm!

  • @naokikeii5478
    @naokikeii5478 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Ayano must have been so sad when she came back, that all the people she always saw was already gone, giving her motivation to make all of those... 😔

  • @Josua_Nel
    @Josua_Nel 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    So happy for this documentary!!! was really great!! I was absolutely blown away by the gymnasium !! the massive dedication that must have taken is insane!!! Theres something really inspiring about it.

  • @Sammy-lx7ys
    @Sammy-lx7ys 4 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    The moment you entered the sports hall I got goosebumps.... The hall felt so lively yet so empty at the same time. It is really unfortunate to know that there are tons of villages you have never even heard of that are soon going to disappear.... I genuinely felt like I was present, following you around in silence. It made me really happy that you shared this short yet meaningful video with all of us..... There really isn't much we can do except raising awareness because it is exactly the way you said: Nobody wants to be forgotten.

  • @bork0992
    @bork0992 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I've seen this town in other TH-camrs' videos and, while creepy, it definitely is sad. It's fascinating to see the different things people in these small towns do to hold on to their memory of the town.

  • @Paw-some23
    @Paw-some23 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Most of the people forgot where they came from, this shows really heartwarming welcome even everyone forgot their place 😔❣️

  • @storiedworlds6261
    @storiedworlds6261 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Creepy and kind of sad.
    I have to say that whenever I watch one of your videos, I’m impressed by the stories you find-always something unique and off the beaten path. I’m quite disappointed you didn’t get an interview with the lady, but I can understand your concerns. Hope you’re able to follow up with her in the near future.

  • @rubyshoes1032
    @rubyshoes1032 4 ปีที่แล้ว +57

    I'd actually live there, I'm young and at least I can help look after who's and what's left, I don't like a lot of people so that suits me just fine. 😁.

    • @FOLIPE
      @FOLIPE 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Many people would but hardly anyone does.

    • @ohshanana2397
      @ohshanana2397 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I would also like to move there. I am an introvert and I love the Idea of living in a peaceful quiet place with so much nature.

  • @yooskkitagawa
    @yooskkitagawa 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I'm going on a trip to Iya Valley next year...definitely putting this on my itinerary! How sweet. I love what this woman has done. This is art, truly.

  • @TheSanarossOne
    @TheSanarossOne 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Where is the Ghibli Studios movie about this town coming to life at night because of the Kamis drawn to Ayano's craft and energy?

  • @danielkong6767
    @danielkong6767 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    "nobody wants to be forgotten"
    Man that really hit me to the bone. Really hope this video spreads the word of this amazing, beautiful town. Great work on the video, im so glad i saw this :')

  • @FTRSheppard
    @FTRSheppard 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    This is so heartbreaking and sad to me. I can't believe how powerful this is to me.

  • @JapanOholic-nl9th
    @JapanOholic-nl9th 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    My new favorite Japan video. Thank you for capturing this!

  • @eternalsunshine100
    @eternalsunshine100 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I don't understand why there isn't a huge rush to move back to the Japanese countryside. Nothing could persuade me to live in a city. Hopefully people will start to realise how important connection to nature and community is.

    • @SvengelskaBlondie
      @SvengelskaBlondie 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      People want to live where there are jobs, Japan is still way too old fashioned to understand working online let alone working from home. Unless you have some form of business that can be done remotely, bit hard to make a living in those parts.

  • @tomithot261
    @tomithot261 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Had heard about this city ... thanks for taking us there. I will probably never visit, but feel like I have seen it! Love traveling with you ... take me where I wont go on my own! Such fun ...

  • @nilpos
    @nilpos 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I really hope you can go back later on.
    I truly want a sitdown interview with the creator.

    • @TokyoLens
      @TokyoLens  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I hope so too!

  • @geegee_509
    @geegee_509 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This is beautiful. Thank you for giving this people a place in the world and allowing their legacy to live through video.

  • @toonlinkssbb515
    @toonlinkssbb515 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Honestly looks like an amazing place to make a movie

  • @thefourcorners6306
    @thefourcorners6306 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I stumble with this channel today and its really amazing with these contents!

  • @poppicandy
    @poppicandy 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    My dad left his village when 18 & stays in the city till now. I was born in the city and have no idea of my hometown village. When asked about my hometown, I don't know if I should say the village that I've no idea or should tell about my city.

    • @tlahuicolexiii2844
      @tlahuicolexiii2844 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      🤦🏽‍♂️ why would you say you're from a village you were born in the city.... If YOU were born in the village then you can say you're hometown is the village 🤦🏽‍♂️🤷🏽‍♂️

  • @wafacabriales
    @wafacabriales 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Waw. Thank you so much for this amazing video, I love this village.
    I wish I can live there. It is so clean and peaceful. You did a great job my dear🌻

  • @qura4607
    @qura4607 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I still young just starting my life, 19 btw...i wonder how the future hold up for me no matter what you do good thing come to end

  • @mizusenshisongs
    @mizusenshisongs 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Wow this is crazy.
    Also gotta give you props for being considerate about the coronavirus and stuff, even if it meant you couldn't meet Ayano-san in person. That had to be really hard. Hope you will be able to meet her one day!

  • @josefuentes4616
    @josefuentes4616 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    This is sad and scary at the same time

  • @AnEmbarrassmentofBooks
    @AnEmbarrassmentofBooks 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Wow! She has turned the whole town into a work of art! So amazing! It's a way to see what the town might have looked like back when it was thriving and full. Quite frankly, I'm surprised that a place like this isn't more popular with tourists - even school trips. I also can't believe that these beautiful old towns and villages aren't at least being kept up as vacation homes by those working/living in the big cities - it's gorgeous there!

    • @TokyoLens
      @TokyoLens  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      lol it’s insanely far from literally anywhere and everywhere

  • @Cyberdyne_research
    @Cyberdyne_research 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    It is said that the spirit of an age is something to which one cannot return. Thus it is best to make the most out of every generation.
    In the kamigata area, they have a tiered lunchbox they use for a single day when flower viewing. Upon return they throw them away, trampling them underfoot...
    ...the end is important in all things.
    2 quotes from the hagakure.

  • @evieindaegu2969
    @evieindaegu2969 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You guys do such amazing work! I am very excited to have cover end so I can visit these places. I currently live in Korea and have friends who live in Japan. I also want to give you guys major props for being so careful to keep other safe during your travels, it shows your character as humans and it is very positive. Thank you.

  • @electricghost92
    @electricghost92 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I mean as creepy as it is, its definitely a uinique experience. The end really hit home for me. I hope Japanese countrysides get more visitors and residents.
    I plan on visiting and would love some time in a peaceful country town.

  • @Stormcrow89
    @Stormcrow89 ปีที่แล้ว

    There’s such a hollow feeling…like the heart of the village has been scooped out and this one woman is trying to stitch it back in place. Such character, memories, and experiences are forever etched there in some way, shape or form! Really hope this little village can be preserved some how

  • @CMW2020
    @CMW2020 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    My husband and I are currently watching the James Mae visits Japan series, and in the last episode, he visits this area and meets the artist. The artist actually made one of the kakashi dolls of him, and you can see it at 02:46 (it is the blonde one) how cool!

  • @fieshnchips
    @fieshnchips 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Imagine the scarecrows moving at the full moon

  • @itsheymonth
    @itsheymonth 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This makes me really sad. It reminds me of my grandparents village. There are hardly any people left there now. Everytime I visit my grandparents, I just walk around the village and it's fields. Last time I was there, I went to their old house (which is abandoned now) where my mom was raised. It was also a place where I spent my summer vacation when I was young. God, it hurt!

  • @jonhguevarra3684
    @jonhguevarra3684 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I really cried to this.
    Its really sad to know the declining population in japanese country side.

  • @biancabion7916
    @biancabion7916 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This is incredible! I feel so much watching this video. It's beautiful, sad and so precious. It's like the entire city is a piece of art. The gym is really another level, like someone mentioned here before. Really, nobody wants to forget or to be forgoten. Thank you for sharing this, your work is really impressive and sensible.

  • @seigeheim3247
    @seigeheim3247 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Seeing these a *LOT* of Dolls
    Daytime: *Amazing*
    Nighttime: *Goosebumps*

  • @NorthRage14
    @NorthRage14 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    men the feels where u miss, ur friend ur neighbors the kid playing, the person walking and selling some food, the car passing by..i think that memories drive her to make some dolls.

  • @scarlets4024
    @scarlets4024 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I love how you consider covid and turned down meeting her, seeing that she's 70, it would be dangerous. You really have the appreciation for the people not just making your videoa priority without consideration. Wonderful video😍