Nanmoku, Japan – In a quaint village tucked away in the mountains of Japan’s Honshu island, the Kaneta family has been baking traditional sweets for generations. Despite the once-thriving community now facing a rapid decline, Masayuki, 85, and his son, Shigeuki, continue to roll out dough in their bakery, hoping to keep their family’s legacy alive.
The village of Nanmoku, once bustling with shops, now sees many boarded-up buildings and abandoned houses, reflecting a nationwide trend of rural depopulation in Japan. With 67% of the population over 65, Nanmoku is considered one of the oldest villages in the country.
However, nearby town Kanna has found a glimmer of hope by turning a prehistoric discovery into a tourist attraction, bringing in visitors and revitalizing the community. In Nanmoku, new residents like Yuuta Sato are gradually making an impact by offering services to the elderly and breathing new life into the village.
While challenges persist, the Kaneta family remains hopeful for a vibrant future, envisioning a bustling village with brightly lit houses. As they continue their daily baking routine, the father-son duo symbolizes resilience and the enduring spirit of Nanmoku.