Return to the Wild

It was the year 767, Takemikazuchi the chief deity of Kashima Shrine was ceremonially enshrined at Kasuga Grand Shrine in Nara in order to protect the Heijo-kyo, today’s Nara. It was said that the god came to the ancient capital astride a white deer. Ever since, the deer at Nara have been regarded as divine messengers, and tourists can feed special crackers to deer walking freely in the park. The ancient capital of Japan welcomed more than 17.4 million tourists in 2019. However, after the COVID-19 outbreak, foreign tourists have disappeared and Japanese people refrained to travel. Under the threat of an invisible virus, humans had no choice but to stay at home avoiding contact with others. Many news reported that wild animals have appeared in deserted cities around the world. In the quiet Nara, deer seem to be expanding their range of activities. Did the tourist idol become more like a wild animal? When people's behavior changes, so does the way deer live. It is a magnificent social experiment going on in the city of Nara where deer and humans coexist. Apparently, New Normal is easy for deer to live in. Does the day when deer occupy the city where humanity has disappeared be approaching?