17. People Gathering at Akita's ‘Hot Spring of Life’

Akita's secret hot spring, Tamagawa Onsen, is said to heal various illnesses. Upon entering, a barren landscape of rocks unfolds, with steam and hydrogen sulfide gas emanating from various points. Many of those who visit here are cancer patients undergoing treatment. People from across the country spend about a week here for rock bath therapy. Their expressions and conversations carry a certain brightness. Having come to this place to heal their illnesses, they eventually confront the question of “why and for whom they live” through repeated visits.