Strangers in Town

Deer is one of the most familiar wild animals for Japanese people. In 767, Takemikazuchi, the chief deity of Kashima Shrine, was ceremonially enshrined at Kasuga Shrine in Nara, in order to protect the ancient capital. At this time, it is said that the god of thunder came to Nara astride a white deer. Ever since, the deer at Nara have been regarded as divine messengers and protected. On the other hand, in many regions like Hokkaido, deer are considered vermin that eat crops and bark. In recent years, the habitat has expanded, and "Urban Deer" come to town and cross roads and railroad tracks freely. As a measure against deer damage, the local government is focusing on head count management. In 2020, about 140,000 deer were caught by hunting and about 470,000 were eliminated as harmful animals. Humans carve out forests and wilderness to create cities, and behave like owners there. Within the boundaries set by humans, deer are fed with crackers, and outside of that, they are exterminated as vermin. However, divine messengers of Nara and vermin of Hokkaido look the same in the photography. The deer is like a mirror that reflects human contradictions. Are the strangers who stalking th