Noto Peninsula Earthquake

Hi everyone! It's been quite a while. I've taken a break and put off writing about my experiences in Japan longer than expected, but I hope to be back on the "typewriter" and, at the very least, writing for the remainder of the year. I'd like to first open up about the New Year's earthquake in Noto.

On January 1st, 2024, a 7.6 magnitude earthquake hit the Noto peninsula. The initial tremors were so strong, that other places in Japan like Tokyo (which is about 500km away (or 300 miles away)) felt the tremors as well. To put it into perspective for those of us living in the States, if the tremor occurred in central Minneapolis, almost every Minnesotan would literally feel their homes shaking. Another stateside example is if it occurred in New York state, over half of its residents would hear the ground rumble and then feel the tremors beneath their feet.

A visual representation of life in Noto "stopping" in its tracks amidst the earthquake. Photo credits go to various newspaper companies, including the Japan Times.

The fire that broke out in downtown Wajima city as a result of the earthquake damaging electrical wiring. Photo credits go to various newspaper companies, including the Japan Times.

The earthquake in Noto caused extreme damage to roads, some homes to completely collapse, and landslides to occur. From NHK news, one resident from Nanao recalled how they were trying to remain in place by taking cover underneath a table, but it felt as if the earth was violently swaying that person back and forth from their spot. The initial tremors were very very frightening, but even after January 1st, after-tremors occurred consistently for three weeks, causing residents to stay alert for further landslides and watch out for falling roof tiles or streetlights during these unforeseen intervals. According to official reports, almost 250 lives were lost from the earthquake.

One of many houses destabilized by the earthquake. Photo credits go to various newspaper companies, including the Japan Times.

Two of the lives that were lost from the earthquake were Noto High School's family economics teacher, Oku-sensei and her husband. Oku-sensei was a kind and open person, always cheerfully greeting everyone and making time to talk to them. In her classes, she taught students how to meal-prep effectively (such as using soy sauce to preserve foods longer), how to sew (in-case if an unfortunate tear/hole in one's clothing appears), and dropped some helpful knowledge about maintaining one's wellbeing (like how to stretch while sitting at your desk or limiting screen time). Her efforts even led to her participating in a students' research study on physical exercise--in which she scored a crucial point in 'Capture The Flag' for her team. I'll certainly never forget the energy and cheering of the students after Oku-sensei, herself, was in disbelief of scoring a point. Although her absence has created a sense of emptiness in the students, staff, and her family's hearts, we've been focusing on stories of how she lived rather than how she passed away.

Rebuilding and moving forward wasn't easy for the people in Noto, but shortly after the initial big tremors, help arrived in droves. From surrounding prefectures and even other countries, soup kitchens; boats; and the Japan Self-Defense Force arrived to provide warm meals, running water for showers and baths, sweaters, and other emergency/winter supplies. With their aid, daily life of Noto residents became more livable bit-by-bit. Furthermore, the establishment of evacuation centers within Noto peninsula; Ishikawa's capital city, Kanazawa; and even others outside the prefecture, helped provide housing for those who needed it.

Almost all businesses and shops were temporarily closed from the earthquake--including the post office. This post office truck became available in February to send mail/packages.

The Japan Self-Defense Force (自衛隊, Jieitai) trucks. The JSD personnel helped distribute water from tankards when running water wasn't available, and helped distribute supplies like toilet paper, emergency rice, and wet wipes since all shops were closed temporarily. They also provided public baths in other locations.

Even through those unknown times, Ushitsu and other earthquake-hit areas persevered. Businesses in Noto like Doya Coffee, Marufuku Market, and many others created their own soup kitchens, coordinated communication efforts with volunteer organizations, and offered their spaces as storage facilities for emergency supplies. Noto Senior High School became partly open as a daycare since some elementary and junior high schools served to be evacuation centers. Additionally, within the first two weeks of the earthquake, high school students coordinated their own volunteer efforts, like helping to move belongings out of homes and making food alongside NPO workers.

NPO Camper providing warm meals for attending teachers and students (featuring one of the English teachers I work with, Nakamura sensei!)

Beef Stew, Miso Soup with Scallions, and some warm rice with pickles helped warm the soul and fought the cold during the month of January.

Today, even in the beginning of June, the damage is still evident, and will probably take a couple years (at most) for things to look ok on the surface. However, things like running water being restored, supermarkets and restaurants opening up again, and the continuation of living accommodations outside of Noto have all prospered hope for the future. It all seems like Noto is starting to recover and pick itself up again. And although things may not be perfect and changing into a 'new normal' has been an adjustment; it isn't stopping everyone from doing what they can.

While helping "Sasuke" clean out his parent's shop, we took a break to "take the view in" of the town of Anamizu. All the blue tarps on top of the roofing serves to hold the roof tiles from falling.

Perhaps a light at the end of the rainbow?

Thanks for checking in,

Alex