Iya Valley Scarecrow Village

**Artist backstory:** Ayano Tsukimi returned to care for her aging father in Nagoro and began making scarecrows to enliven the dying village. Each doll represents a former resident or visitor, often based on real people. The population peaked at 300 in the 1960s; today only 27 humans remain (mostly elderly). Tsukimi continues adding dolls as residents pass away or move away. **What you'll see:** A classroom full of student dolls in the abandoned schoolhouse (closed 2012, visible through windows). A wedding party on a hillside. Workers in rice paddies. A doll sitting at a real bus stop that sees one bus per day. The juxtaposition of life-like dolls and actual decay (crumbling houses, overgrown roads) creates haunting atmosphere. **Photography ethics:** The dolls are art, not amusement park attractions. Photograph respectfully. Do NOT move dolls, enter private property, or pose disrespectfully. Some dolls represent deceased residents — locals take this seriously. Tsukimi welcomes visitors but asks for courtesy. **Combine with:** Nearby Ochiai village (2km away) has a steep hillside settlement with Edo-period thatched-roof houses — a contrast to Nagoro's depopulation. Park at the bottom and hike up the slope for architectural photography. Free access, no facilities.