Showa, village in Onuma District, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan
Showa is a small village in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, spread across a large area with scattered communities along the Nojiri River. The settlement features wooden houses with simple designs surrounded by farmland, mountains, and natural wetlands including the Komado marshes.
The area was historically part of Mutsu Province and belonged to the Aizu Domain during the Edo period. The villages of Nojiri and Oashi were established in the late 1800s and merged together in 1927 to form Showa.
The village maintains a centuries-old tradition of ramie weaving that has been practiced here for about 600 years. Local artisans pass down this craft to younger generations, and visitors can learn how this natural fiber is transformed into fabric.
The village is accessible only by car since there is no train station. From Aizu-Wakamatsu the drive takes about one hour, and from Ouchi-juku around 45 minutes. Renting a car or bicycle allows visitors to explore the different sites at their own pace.
The abandoned Kuimaru Elementary School, used from 1937 to 1980, still stands with old desks and books inside and feels as though students might return at any moment. A large ginkgo tree in front of the school turns bright yellow in autumn, drawing many photographers.
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