Japanese village uses mannequins to combat loneliness amid population decline
Ichinono: Faced with a dwindling population of less than 60 residents, the village of Ichinono in Japan has found a unique way to counter loneliness—by filling its empty spaces with mannequins. The handcrafted puppets, dressed in bright clothes and posed in various activities, represent the family members who have left the village in search of opportunities in nearby cities.
Many of Ichinono’s inhabitants are elderly, with the younger generation moving out for work and education. To recreate a sense of community, locals began crafting mannequins to resemble children, adults, and even whole families, positioning them throughout the village. Now, these life-like figures significantly outnumber the human residents.
Despite the exodus, Ichinono recently welcomed a new couple, Rie and Toshiki Kato, who moved to the village during the COVID-19 pandemic. They soon had a child, Kuranosuke, who became the village’s first newborn in two decades, bringing hope and joy to the aging population.
Japan’s population decline continues to be a challenge, with a record 36.25 million residents over 65, making up nearly 30% of the population. The total population has been steadily decreasing, marking its 15th year of decline in 2023, and only 730,000 babies were born last year.
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Maharashtra student drowns off Chennai coast; another missing
Nagpur (PTI): A student from Maharashtra drowned and another went missing after venturing into the sea in Chennai, officials said on Sunday.
It was not yet known which institution the students were from and where exactly the incident occurred.
The Maharashtra government has appealed to the Tamil Nadu authorities to expedite the search and rescue operation.
The incident occurred on Saturday when a group of 26 students went to the seashore.
Three of them entered the waters where Mayuri Chaudhari from Nagpur drowned, while Jay Patil went missing and a search was underway for him, a statement from the Maharashtra Chief Minister's Office said.
Another student, Raj Kedari, was rescued safely, it said.
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis has contacted the Tamil Nadu government and is overseeing relief efforts. He urged the Tamil Nadu government to provide immediate aid and launch a rescue operation.
The family members of Chaudhari and Patil have been informed.
