A photo session was held in Matsukawa Village, Nagano Prefecture, where people wore their own costumes and hairstyles to take convincing photos for their posthumous photos.
The photo shoot was held by Matsukawa Village Community Revitalization Cooperation Volunteers, and on the day 14 people, ranging from residents in their 50s to 80s, visited the venue wearing their own costumes and hairstyles.
Among them, Katsumi Ushikoshi (83) appeared for the photo shoot wearing a crested hakama for his hobby of rakugo, which he has been doing for about 20 years.
Mr. Ushigoe said, ``I wanted to prepare good photos because I don't know what will happen when.'' I'm satisfied with the result.''
In addition, the photo shoot of Kazuo Hirabayashi (75) and his wife Chisato (75) proceeded in a friendly atmosphere, and the two chose a photo that showed their natural smiles.
Mr. and Mrs. Hirabayashi said, ``We were in trouble because we didn't have any photographs that could be used for the deceased's death.Now we can live with peace of mind knowing that we have everything ready for when we die.''
This is the second time since last year that the Community Revitalization Cooperation Volunteers have held a photo session, and with approximately one in three people in the prefecture being elderly, the need for acceptable photographs of the deceased is increasing.
Toshiharu Matsumoto, a member of the Community Revitalization Cooperation Volunteers, said, ``I want to express the person's individuality and way of life when looking at the photograph of the deceased.I try to make sure that the photograph of the deceased will lead to peace of mind and happiness in old age.''