cover image by Jang Kumi
The regions affected by the Noto Peninsula earthquake are still in the midst of recovery. Support is needed in various areas, including the restoration of infrastructure and buildings, assistance for victims, and mental care. The government, local municipalities, and volunteer organizations are working together on the recovery, but the journey is not easy.
Continuing the Journey Together
Days of Emptiness Rather Than Spring's Arrival
Four months after the earthquake, the residents of Noto are still forced to live inconvenient lives. While the rest of the country transitions into spring, Noto, known for its late arrival of spring, finds it hard to feel the new season. We asked Jang Kumi about the current state of Noto.
Image by Jang Kumi
“I’ve always felt a gap, but the earthquake has made this 'difference' feel even stronger. While cherry blossoms are blooming and everyone is taking photos elsewhere, Noto still has snow and lacks brightness. It feels like a spring filled with a sense of emptiness.”
Image by Jang Kumi
The warm, cheerful air of spring has yet to reach Noto. On the contrary, some residents are moving to different places with the new fiscal year, adding to the sense of loneliness.
“Faced with reality, a sense of helplessness and despair is spreading among the residents. While I understand that people moving away is inevitable, there are times when I feel as if Noto is no longer a place for people to live. It makes my own resolve waver.”
Collapsed Roads Left Unattended
The main roads towards Noto, such as National Route 249, still experience congestion. However, the reopening of the Noto Satoyama Kaido, a vital traffic artery, is gradually easing the congestion.
Image by Jang Kumi
“The sight of collapsed roads left unattended is frightening. Many of the regular roads are just filled with gravel, making them bumpy. There are also places where the ground is sinking day by day, even though they were supposed to be filled.”
Image by Jang Kumi
Overwhelming Lack of Volunteer Support
Despite the ongoing uncertain living conditions, a major issue Noto faces is the lack of volunteers. While volunteer bases are increasing, the number of volunteers actually visiting the site continues to decrease.
“The biggest problem is that we hardly see any volunteers. The ones we do see are those who rushed to Noto immediately after the disaster and have been supporting us ever since. Although the prefecture is coordinating volunteers, only about 12,500 have participated after nearly three months.”
In comparison, 500,000 volunteers participated in the Great East Japan Earthquake and 100,000 in the Kumamoto Earthquake during the same period. The number of volunteers for the Noto Peninsula earthquake is overwhelmingly low. “I often see elderly residents exhausted while cleaning up,” says Jang Kumi.
If you are considering volunteering, please check the special volunteer sites.
#notopeninsula
We at cizucu would like to enlist your creative power. This initiative aims to highlight the beautiful culture and nature of the Noto Peninsula, as well as the challenges it faces. Please share photos taken in the Noto Peninsula with the hashtag #notopeninsula along with your message. With your small gestures and support, let's aim for the recovery of the Noto Peninsula together.
Lastly, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Jang Kumi for her cooperation in this interview and sincerely wish for the safety of the victims and the swift recovery of the affected areas.
(This interview was conducted on April 2, 2024)
INFORMATION
Born in Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture, and residing in Noto Town. She has a deep love for the nature, festivals, and flowers of the Noto Peninsula.
Instagram: oknt_photograph
cizucu: Jang Kumi
HP: OKUNOTO PHOTOGRAPH
