In a small village of Nagoro, Japan. In the Iya Valley region of Tokushima Prefecture, Japan, on the island of Shikoku.

This tiny village is like any other village, except for one thing: it stands apart from the others. There are numerous human-like dolls that are stationed throughout it.

The idea to put life-like dolls throughout the village came from a woman named Tsukimi Ayano. Her family was originally from the area, but they had moved out; however, her father still lived there at the time. So, she decided to move back to the small village located on Route 439 in the Iya Valley to look after her dad.

However, when she returned to her hometown village, there was a noticeable decline in the number of townspeople who had left the area for one reason or another. By September 2019, the number of people living in the area had dwindled to as few as 27 people.

Tsukimi Ayano decided to create a doll that resembled her father and put it in a random place in the village. This inspired her to continue creating these life-like dolls, and she has since made approximately four hundred dolls. She has replaced those villagers who have left the area and is still going strong.

This trend, created by Tsukimi Ayano, encouraged others who were left in the area to create dolls of their own. In September 2012, a school in the area shut down. The remaining townspeople then created dolls to fill the rooms in the school.

Until Next time!!!

Sources: Wikipedia, Japan Experience, Offbeat Japan, CNA, Unusual Places