Too Many Visitors on the Island

On a small island in the south of Japan, there is a village called Shirakawa.

For many years, the people there lived by fishing and farming, and life was quiet.

Then, five years ago, a travel blogger wrote about the village's beautiful old houses, and everything changed.

Now, more than 2,000 tourists come to the island every day, but only 300 people live there.

In the morning, the narrow streets are full of visitors taking photos, so the old people cannot even walk to the market.

Some tourists leave rubbish and make noise near the school, which makes the children unhappy.

Last year, the village leader asked visitors to stay away from the living areas and to visit only between 10 a.m.

and 4 p.m.

He also asked them to pay a small fee, which will help clean the streets.

Many travelers understand the problem and follow the new rules.

However, some people still think that tourism brings money and jobs, so the village should accept more visitors.

The people of Shirakawa are now discussing what to do next.

They want to share their home, but they also want to keep it safe and peaceful.