The City of Dolls: Nagoro, Japan

The village of Nagoro, also known as "The City of Dolls", is found on Shikoku Island, the smallest of Japan's four main islands. This unique village is home to thousands of handmade dolls that outnumber the living inhabitants, leaving visitors with an uncanny feeling. In this post, we will explore the origins of Nagoro's doll-filled streets and the profound impact it has on visitors.

Nagoro's doll phenomenon can be attributed to Ayano Tsukimi, a 64-year-old former resident who returned to her hometown in the early 2000s. Over the years, the village's inhabitants have left for jobs elsewhere, or have passed away. Struck by the depopulation of Nagoro, Tsukimi sought a way to bring life and vitality back to the village. Her solution? Creating lifelike dolls in the image of the departed residents and scattering them throughout the village. At this point the human population of Nagoro is down to about 35 people.

As you wander through the streets of Nagoro, you'll encounter dolls in various poses and sizes, casually occupying everyday scenes. From schoolyards to fields, bus stops to riverbanks, these dolls seem frozen in time, creating a surreal atmosphere. With meticulous attention to detail, Tsukimi breathes life into each doll, imbuing them with unique personalities and a hint of melancholy.

Nagoro's dolls are both charming and strange. Their lifelike appearances can be disconcerting, as they peer out from windows or sit silently on park benches, mirroring the activities of the villagers they replace.

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, the dolls of Nagoro serve as a poignant reflection of the passage of time and the fading memories of a vanishing community. Each doll represents a former resident, preserving their spirit and presence within the village. As visitors explore Nagoro, they are reminded of the fragility of life, the transient nature of human existence, and the importance of preserving memories and community bonds.

News of Nagoro's enchanting doll village has spread worldwide, drawing curious travelers from all corners of the globe. Visitors come not only to marvel at the dolls but also to appreciate Tsukimi's artistic vision and the profound statement she makes about the changing dynamics of rural communities in Japan and beyond.

As time passes, the dolls of Nagoro gradually weather and deteriorate, making way for new creations. Tsukimi's ongoing dedication ensures that the village remains an evolving canvas, reflecting the changing landscape and people of Nagoro. The dolls stand as silent witnesses, telling stories of a village's past, present, and future.

Check out Wiki Nagoro

There is also a documentary you can watch on Vimeo called Valley of Dolls by Fritz Schumann.

Below are some images from Google Maps Street View.