Nenba Village: Where Tragedy Led to Cultural Renewal
Location: Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi Pref., Japan
Timestamp: 11:29・2024/03/20
Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
63 mm ISO 100 for 1/20 sec. at ƒ/8
Nenba Village, also known as "Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba," stands as a testament to resilience, nestled in Minamitsuru Village on the western shores of Saiko Lake in Yamanashi Prefecture.
Originally known as Ashiwada Village, it flourished as a center for the silkworm industry, with the distinctive feature of glass windows on the second floors of its thatched-roof homes, where silkworms were diligently raised for their silk.
Tragedy struck on September 25, 1966, when a devastating mudslide, triggered by the relentless rains of Typhoon No. 26, cascaded down the mountain, engulfing the entire village in a sea of mud.
The magnitude of the catastrophe prompted a massive rescue operation, with over 16,000 personnel from the Self-Defense Forces tirelessly searching for survivors until October 7th.
Despite their efforts, the toll was grim: 94 lives lost, with 13 souls never to be found. The grim aftermath saw Lake Saiko become an unexpected resting place for both human and animal victims, with many cows tragically buried in the mud.
Decades later, amidst the distant echoes of tragedy, the villagers rallied to resurrect their once-thriving community. In 2006, the transformation began with the establishment of an open-air museum, initially comprising a handful of restored structures.
Today, visitors can wander through approximately 20 meticulously reconstructed thatched-roof houses, each serving a unique purpose as souvenir shops, restaurants, sweet shops, craft exhibits, and museums. Notably, in 2011, the former main house of the Watanabe family which is nestled in the northwest corner of the village, earned recognition as a national registered Tangible Cultural Property, anchoring the village's historical significance.
One such enchanting spot within the village is the traditional Seiryutei Tea House (see photo). Seiryutei Tea House, once a humble abode from the Edo Period, now invites visitors to savor the essence of Japanese hospitality with a tantalizing array of delicacies. From Japanese matcha sweets to homemade soy milk pudding and sweet rice dumplings (dango), the menu offers a delectable journey through local flavors. Additionally, guests can indulge in light meals, featuring seasonal vegetable curries crafted from freshly harvested produce sourced from nearby fields.
Entry to the museum is affordably priced at 500 yen, with ample free parking nearby. The museum's allure transcends borders, drawing a diverse array of tourists, with over 80% hailing from overseas, according to a local shop owner.
In conclusion, Nanba Village stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, where tragedy has been transformed into triumph through community effort and preservation. As you traverse the stone and dirt paths and explore the quaint thatched-roof houses, you're not just witnessing history—you're becoming a part of it.
- 茶処: chadokoro > tea house
- 青龍亭: Seiryutei > Name of shop
- 旧渡辺家住宅主屋: Kyu-Watanabe-ke Jutaku Shuoku
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