Japan has about 9 million abandoned homes as rural areas deal with rapid population decline and migration to urban centers.
In Nanmoku, Japan, bakers Masayuki Kaneta, 85, and his son Shigeuki begin their day before dawn. By mid-afternoon, they’re still busy crafting their signature confections from barley and brown sugar dough, which they chop, bake, and package.
The Kaneta family, representing the third and fourth generations, has been a part of Nanmoku for 140 years. Once a bustling village with around 40 shops within a short distance, Nanmoku has seen a drastic decline in recent decades. Today, only two confectionery shops, a restaurant, and a taxi service remain. Many buildings along the main street are abandoned or boarded up, and numerous houses in the surrounding area are empty.
Japan’s ageing population and rural-to-urban migration have contributed to this decline, with an estimated 9 million abandoned homes, known as “akiya,” across the country. In Nanmoku, where 67% of residents are over 65, the village is among 20 in Gunma Prefecture that might vanish by 2050.
Nearby Kanna, suffering a similar decline, has found a boost through tourism after discovering dinosaur fossils in the 1980s. The local government has turned this into a popular attraction, drawing over 1,000 visitors daily during peak times.
In contrast, Nanmoku has seen only a few new buildings, including subsidized homes aimed at attracting newcomers. Yuuta Sato, one such new resident, has moved to the village with his family to work remotely and support elderly residents through meal deliveries and a community center. Despite his positive outlook, Sato acknowledges the challenges and believes that while they might not revive the village, they can at least bring a fresh perspective.
As Nanmoku continues to decline, there is a sense that merging with neighboring communities or accepting its fate might be inevitable. Sato reflects on this, suggesting that perhaps a reset could pave the way for new beginnings.
At the Kaneta bakery, the occasional customer from neighboring areas stops by, as many local residents are too elderly to travel. Shigeuki Kaneta remains hopeful for the village’s future, wishing for a time when it will be vibrant and lively once more.
