Chichibu Shindo Highway was open to traffic in 1886 with the purpose of carrying down raw silk and cocoons from Chichibu to Honjo. Alongside this prefectural Highway 44, there scattered settlements, each of which consisting of 20 to 30 farm houses.
Sericultural industry had been a main source of income among farmers until the postwar high economic growth ended. In recent years, however, the number of elderly people and empty houses have increased considerably due in part to the shortage in successors. In such a harsh condition, local people have striven to protect the land and customs they have taken over from their ancestors, while keeping their open and generous minds to others.
Through 5 years of researching and photo-shooting process at the site, Yamada rediscovered the things easily overlooked in the contemporary society where people never cease to live by lust: the importance of "living simple life with nature". 42 color photographs will be on view.
No comments yet