Shinano, Nagano Pref. ¨C Lake Nojiri was once the glittering center of expat summers in Japan. Throughout the 1960s and ¡¯70s, hundreds of English-speaking families flocked to this secluded corner of Nagano Prefecture.
They came from around the world, drawn by its natural beauty and a community of residents with whom they shared language. Among the area¡¯s notable denizens were historian John W. Dower and environmentalist C.W. Nicol.
Today, Nojiri¡¯s abandoned homes and deserted stores ¡ª by no means uncommon sights throughout the Japanese countryside ¡ª suggest these golden years are over.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.