Part 2/11:
Travelers and observers can see the scale of this problem firsthand in historic regions like Nara Prefecture, the cradle of Japanese civilization and home to ancient temples and shrines. While these areas boast rich history, they are increasingly shadowed by modern neglect. The scene is reminiscent of a ghost town: old wooden houses with crumbling roofs, overgrown gardens, and deserted streets. Many of these houses, especially in smaller towns, are remnants of a thriving past that now face decay.