Autumn is the season of harvest in Japan. In the golden countryside landscapes, there has always been an indispensable figure – the scarecrow. These human-like dolls were created to ward off pests like sparrows and crows in the rice fields and farms. They were traditionally made from patched-up old clothing and were often crafted with a single leg made from bamboo or straw. “Henohenomoheji” is always written on the face. At times they appeared dignified, and at times they seemed lonely, as if reflecting the emotions of those who looked upon them. However, these scarecrows have become a rarity in recent times. You can only find them at “scarecrow festivals” in certain places or in areas catering to tourists. Much like the cliché of scarecrows being used as a symbol of insignificance, sparrows and crows had long since figured out scarecrows’ true nature. Whether the scarecrows knew this or not, when the red spider lilies began to bloom around them, they seemed to gain a new lease on life. With outstretched arms, they stood resolutely alone in the fields, as if proudly declaring, ‘I am the one protecting this rice field,’ and their stance was undeniably endearing.

秋は実りの季節です。黄金色に輝く日本の田園風景で、昔から欠かせなかったのが“案山子”です。人間の代わりに田んぼや畑ですずめやカラスなどの害獣を追い払うために作られた人形です。継ぎの当たった古着を身に纏い、かつては一本足で竹や藁で作られたものが定番でした。顔は決まって「へのへのもへじ」。時には凛々しく、時には寂しそうに、その表情には見る人の心情を写し出しているかの様です。そんな案山子も昨今、ほとんど見受けられなくなりました。どこどこの「案山子祭り」や観光客目当ての地でしか見られません。碌でなしの喩えに案山子が使われる様に、スズメやカラスからはとっくの昔にその正体は見破られていたのです。そんな事を知ってか知らずか、ひとりぼっちで立っていた案山子が、辺りに彼岸花が咲き出すと俄然元気になり、この田んぼを守っているのは自分だぞとばかりに、両手を広げて立ちすくんでいる姿が、またなんともいじらしい。