Rebuilding Noto: A place for the future to growーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS

Key Concepts

• Noto Peninsula Earthquake (2024): A major earthquake that struck central Japan’s Noto Peninsula, causing widespread damage and displacement.
• Displacement & Recovery: The ongoing challenges faced by residents unable to return home and the delayed focus on children’s well-being in disaster recovery.
• Community Resilience: Efforts to rebuild not just infrastructure, but also the social connections vital for a community’s survival and future.
• Demographic Shift: The out-migration of young families from affected areas and its impact on the future population.

The Ongoing Impact of the Noto Peninsula Earthquake & Recovery Efforts

The report focuses on the continuing impact of the New Year’s Day earthquake two years ago on the Noto Peninsula in central Japan, specifically in the city of Suzu, Ishikawa Prefecture. While physical rebuilding is underway, the report highlights the often-overlooked emotional and developmental needs of children affected by the disaster, and the broader issue of community preservation in the face of demographic shifts.

Displacement and the Loss of Childhood Spaces

Approximately 17,000 people in Ishikawa Prefecture remain displaced as of the report’s airing. The earthquake caused significant residential damage in Suzu, leading to the repurposing of essential community spaces – specifically elementary school playgrounds and parks – into temporary shelters for those unable to return to their homes. This loss of dedicated play areas is a key concern, as highlighted by the visual contrast between the former playground and its current use as shelter.

Prioritizing Children’s Wellbeing in Disaster Recovery

Hashimoto Shoko, a volunteer with a local nonprofit, emphasizes that support for children is frequently delayed in disaster recovery processes, despite its critical importance for a child’s development. She states, “Support for children tends to come later in the recovery process, but each and every year is crucial for a child's development.” Her organization spearheaded the creation of a new indoor playground to address this need, providing a safe and stimulating environment for children in the affected area.

Demographic Concerns & Community Future

The report details a concerning demographic trend: a significant decline in the student population of elementary and junior high schools – approximately a 25% decrease in two years. This is attributed to young families leaving Suzu for larger cities in search of employment opportunities. A local resident expresses worry about the future of Suzu, stating, “There are not a lot of opportunities for young people to find work and they’re the ones raising kids. I’m worried about Suzu’s future.” This out-migration poses a long-term threat to the community’s vitality.

Local Government & Community-Led Initiatives

Local officials, such as Sanjo Toyoko, are actively working to counteract this trend. She collaborated with Hashimoto’s nonprofit to secure a location for the indoor playground, aiming to create a sense of belonging and encourage families to remain in Suzu. Her stated goal is, “We want them to choose to remain in Suzu because their children love this place and want to stay here. We also want to make families feel secure. That’s our priority.” The initiative also relies heavily on local volunteers, fostering a sense of collective responsibility and community involvement.

Rebuilding Beyond Infrastructure

Sanjo Toyoko articulates a vision for recovery that extends beyond simply rebuilding homes and livelihoods. She emphasizes the importance of rebuilding “the connections that make a community thrive and survive,” acknowledging that a return to the pre-disaster state may not be possible or even desirable. She expresses hope for “recovering in a better direction,” focusing on leveraging existing resources and community spirit.

The Significance of Sound & Community Memory

The report poignantly notes the fading sounds of children’s voices in the quake-hit regions. A local resident recalls the joy of hearing children playing, saying, “The elementary school is right next to us. So we would watch the children picking acorns and calling out to us. Just hearing their voices filled my heart. That sound is fading across the quake hit regions.” This highlights the emotional toll of the disaster and the importance of restoring a sense of normalcy and joy for the community.