Walking in Shogen

 This is the local police station. These little stations are one reason that you see police frequently. They come in a car and then patrol on bicycle. Many of these small stations are more or less randomly occupied, as far as I can tell. They all seem to have small bedrooms and sometimes are occupied for 24 hours at a time.

 This is a supermarket that closed. It appears that the stores in Izumi Chuo are doing okay but some of the stores that are relatively near by, and are old, are not profitable. People are going to the newer stores that are a bit further from the station.

 This is the Shogen Post Office and, as you can see, the earthquake damage is finally being repaired.

 The Shogen cherry trees are beautiful in spring. They are even pleasant to see at this time of year when the first leaves are beginning to fall.

 At the foot of the cliff which marks the boundary with Izumi Chuo, there is a large pond. Usually this would be all water but the level in very low this year.

The top of this small hill boasts a housing area, but the cut for the road did not survive the quakes untouched. To support the wall they have place this row of oversized sandbags. The actually cracks in the ground have been covered with blue tarps to keep the water out.