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Unforgiving Winter
In rural areas of Japan, the elderly are left alone and isolated during the cold winters.
Al Jazeera Frames Last Modified: 04 May 2011 12:47

Filmmaker: Matt Allard

With the rapidly decreasing Japanese population it is the elderly that are feeling the effects.

Like many other villages Takane village in central Japan has a declining population. As the young leave the village in search of a better future, the elderly are left alone to fight the bitter winter.

With less young people schools and businesses have closed down in remote areas leaving the elderly to live in virtual ghost towns.

Many form groups and live together in former teacher's accommodation to survive the weather.
Source:
Al Jazeera
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