Solitary Spaces: Dioramas of Unattended Deaths Bring “Kodokushi” Phenomenon into Perspective

Kojima’s diorama titled “Kodokushi with Several Pet Cats Left Behind.” One of the animals survived and was found in the back room.

“Following a Young Person’s Suicide by Hanging.” The resident of this apartment left a final message, the word gomen (sorry), written on the wall with tape.

Rather than adhere to the traditional 1:12 scale of many miniature creations, Kojima varies the size of her dioramas.

Kojima’s first diorama, “Kodokushi, Age 50–60,” tells the story of a person who has few social interactions.

In this closeup scene, empty containers, food packaging, and other trash litter the table and floor next to a stained mattress.

“Kodokushi Caused by Heat Shock” depicts the bathtub where the victim was discovered.

Kojima poses with “Kodokushi in a Compulsive Hoarder’s Room.”

“Kodokushi of an Elderly Person Living a Comfortable Life” shows yet another perspective on a solitary person’s final time.

Kojima’s “Heat Shock Kodokushi on the Toilet” conveys to viewers the deadly danger of this phenomenon.