Letter from Cherry Blossom Village

The tiny village of Kanedani lies in the mountains of Shimane Prefecture. With ongoing depopulation, the community has dwindled to just three women in their 70s and 80s. The village boasts 400 cherry trees that were planted 25 years ago in hopes of attracting tourists. People come from all around to view the flowers every spring at the day-long Cherry Blossom Festival. This year, the three remaining residents invite ex-villagers to gather one more time, while they still can. Many memories of village life are depicted beneath blossoming cherry trees.