As I had expected, the ikebana in front of the gate is in autumn. The village that became rich with mandarin oranges is now a marginally viable community. Although it’s not a very favorite expression, the definition of the word is a community that more than 50% of the population is 65 years old or older. However, this village is probably more than 80% of such elderly. Although it is old, its elaborate appearance recalls the glory of the past. In spring, summer, autumn, and winter, you will come across an ikebana that announces the season each time you visit.

期待に違わずもう門前の生け花は秋の装いです。昔はみかんで潤った集落は今や限界集落。余り好きな表現ではありませんが、言葉の定義は、65歳以上の高齢者が50%以上の集落です。しかしこの集落はおそらくそうした高齢者が80%は超えていそうです。古びたとはいえ、手の込んだ佇まいは昔の栄華を偲ばせます。春夏秋冬、訪れる度に季節を予告する生け花に出会います。