Society A one-resident village in Ishikawa

Ozuchi is a picturesque village amidst rolling hills, ancient forests, rice paddies, charming red-roofed houses and natural springs. However, the most striking feature of this idyllic setting is its near-emptiness. Noboru Nimaida, 71, has dedicated himself to safeguarding this unique village. Born and raised in Ozuchi, he left to seek opportunities in the bustling cities of Kyoto and Osaka, like many young people. He recalled enjoying city life as long as he had the means. However, a visit home revealed a startling reality: the village, once home to 300 residents, was largely abandoned, yet its 44 houses, built after a devastating fire in 1938, remained remarkably intact. This fire, caused by local children, destroyed almost the entire village, resulting in the current collection of relatively young but historically significant homes. Nimaida, deeply moved by the sight of a once-vibrant community fading into obscurity, has been working tirelessly to revitalise the land and protect its heritage.

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