Voices Across the Mountains - Fukushima Prefecture - circa 1973

Voices Across the Mountains - Fukushima Prefecture - circa 1973
Around 1973, in the mountain villages of Fukushima Prefecture, there existed a unique means of communication called "yamahiko call," which echoed across the valley. It was used to communicate with family members and neighbors who lived far away from each other, and was a form of wisdom that allowed people to confirm each other's presence even if they could not see each other. The call was echoed back to the mountains, and the response in return provided a sense of security in knowing that the other person was safe and sound. This was not only a practical means of communication, but also a custom that was part of the daily lives of the villagers and deeply reflected the relationship between the mountains and people.
At that time, telephones were not yet common, and even their installation was difficult in mountain villages. With roads not yet well maintained, and with few means of transportation and communication, this call to the mountains was truly "the way of the voice," with the natural terrain as an ally. In the echoes of their voices, one can see people living close to nature without fear of isolation.
In recent years, however, with the spread of cell phones, this custom has rapidly disappeared. The younger generation no longer needs this technology, and the human voices echoing in the mountains are now part of the story. However, the lingering sound of their voices certainly tells the story of life in the mountains in the past.