Nagoro Doll Village - more dolls than humans, Iya Valley

Question

Nagoro, also referred to as Nagoru, presently recognized as Nagoro Doll Village is situated in the Iya Valley on Shikoku Island in Tokushima Prefecture, Japan.

The village is renowned for the copious lifelike dolls strategically placed across the vicinity, which has propelled it to become a popular tourist destination. Located in a secluded mountainous area, the village previously accommodated approximately 300 inhabitants. However, the dwindling population in Japan has led to a decline, resulting in a headcount of 35 individuals by January 2015, 30 as of August 2016, and a further reduction to 27 by September 2019.

During the early 2000s, Tsukimi Ayano, who had relocated away from Nagoro during her childhood, returned to the village to provide care for her father. In commemoration of him, Ayano created a doll bearing his resemblance and placed it within a nearby field. Over time, Ayano has fashioned over 400 dolls, inclusive of replacements, with roughly 350 presently residing within the village. The dolls depict various forms, including replicas of former and present village residents, alongside imaginary individuals.

Image source: tripadvisor.cn

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Related reading

• What to Know About Visiting Nagoro, Japan’s Bizarre Doll Village - Perchance to Roam
• Nagoro: Japan's Village Of Dolls - Outlook India
• Explore the hidden Japanese village where dolls replace the departed - The Verge
• Nagoro, Village of Dolls - SHIKOKU TOURS