Can robots save an aging Japan?
Monster Wolf and Pochi are among the robots deployed to scare away bears and transport cherry blossoms in a northern region of Japan where many farmers are in their 70s or older.
The delicate pink and white blossoms of cherry trees in Nishikawa, Yamagata Prefecture, are a beloved symbol for the Japanese people. The short-lived beauty of the sakura, known as cherry blossoms, deeply resonates with the locals. In contrast, robots lack an appreciation for the ephemeral nature of the sakura. Despite their inability to comprehend the significance of the cherry blossoms, the residents of Nishikawa have found a surprising solution to their own challenges.
The town, located in a snowbound region of northern Japan, has dedicated itself to cultivating a winter variety of cherry blossoms. In a town where the average age of a farmer is 73 years old and population decline is rampant, the locals have turned to robots as a potential solution. With the dwindling workforce, it seemed only logical to enlist the help of aluminum, steel, and hard plastic robots to maintain their cherished sakura.
Written by urgent.news from Japan Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
