和佐阿佑美

Ayumi Wasa

I live in Senboku New Town, one of the largest planned communities in western Japan, developed to meet the housing demand during the country’s period of rapid economic growth.

A single, continuous tree-lined footpath traces the contours of the town. Learning from the shortcomings of earlier new towns, planners planted these trees in hopes of creating a lush, green environment. Today, however, those trees form a dense wall, and I feel this “ideal town” exists in a kind of planned isolation.

I moved here upon marriage. Then came childbirth, abruptly separating me from society, followed by the global pandemic. In the deepening silence, it felt as though only my daughter and I existed in this world.

Birthing and raising a child is a wondrous act. Though natural, there is something oddly fearsome about the way a child inherits exactly half their DNA from each parent, independent of my will.

A sense of not being permitted to fail seized me, leading me to constantly choose the easiest and safest path. But reality is not panning out as planned; instead, it goes far beyond anything I predicted.

My salvation is the strength of my dignified daughter, growing up in this “planned ideal town.” Seeing her reassures my fretful self that things are fine, just as they are.

Opening Talk
Date & Time: Wednesday, April 29 (Public Holiday)
Starts at 18:30 (approx. 40 min.) | Doors open at 18:00
Venue: Nagorosha / NAGORO BOOKS
Admission: Free | No reservation required

Note: The talk will be held within the photo exhibition space. Please be aware that no seating is provided (standing only).