Hirakata Play Spaces

Continuing my trend of examining sterotypes of this "well labled society"....


Overseas Japan is often portrayed as "an aging society" in the news and media. Even a quick search of 'Japan' on major news websites like BBC will probably turn up many articles, both old and recent, on the subject of age imbalance in the Japanese population. Somehow the mental image left behind of Japanese communities by this sort of media focus is that of a staggering pyramid of pruny old men and women being supported by the rare few karaoke-loving, manga-totting youngsters still lucky enough to be born.


In actuality, living here in the residential neighborhood of Hirakata 枚方市 allows you to see both sides of the coin, so to speak. As expected, the elderly population around the neighborhood is truly abundant in a Japanese way, and they make their presence known by leading incredibly active lives. On any given day, Katahoko Park is bound to be filled with springy grannies speed-walking and grandpas walking their akitas. On the other hand, while the data certainly supports the evidence of major declines in birth rates in Japan, children are also far from being absent in the community.


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”ねこのつもり”

Everywhere scattered around the neighborhood are parks and small playgrounds ready to be used by supposedly disappearing local youth population....And they are quite well used play areas, as I discovered when I visited one such park near the river and Seminar House IV.

Older and younger kids mingle and play.

   

  Perhaps it was the weather but the park was bustling with children of all ages and both genders, eagerly engaged in games of soccer, tag, or just hanging around like one of the “cool” kids. The area was noisy, like a proper playground. Kids yelled, pushed, and climbed trees or just sat and chatted with friends. One brick wall is filled with scribbled graffiti and cute cartoons. It seems like the play spaces is it's own area where kids can feel safe and free to express themselves outside of strict societal rules. 

Moreover, apart from an old man walking his dog and an attentive mother watching her toddler, adults were entirely absent from the space. In no way could you feel the stagnant and tired society that Japan is often portrayed as.

The energy of youth.

Whether at the park, or down unexpected staircases to the river, the play spaces of Hirakata add a touch of liveliness to this gray, compact neighborhood area.

Kids and a dog walker explore the river bed.

Young and independent...the future of Japan.