What Happened to Noto Peninsula?

The Noto Peninsula, located on Japan's western coast in Ishikawa Prefecture, has historically been celebrated for its rugged natural beauty, ancient traditions, and unique cultural heritage, including Wajima lacquerware and Suzu pottery. The region was designated a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) in 2011, reflecting its long history of ecological coexistence. However, like many rural areas in Japan, it faced pre-existing vulnerabilities such as depopulation and declining local industries as younger generations migrated to cities.

On January 1, 2024, at 16:10 JST, the peninsula was hit by a powerful magnitude 7.6 (Mw 7.5) earthquake, with its epicenter near Suzu. The earthquake registered a maximum seismic intensity of Shindo 7, the highest on Japan's scale, and triggered a tsunami with waves up to 1.2 meters, widespread fires, soil liquefaction, and numerous landslides. The shaking lasted approximately 80 seconds. The most severely affected areas included the towns of Suzu, Wajima, Noto, and Anamizu. The disaster resulted in 732 confirmed fatalities and 2 people missing, with over 1,400 injured. More than 204,903 structures were damaged across nine prefectures, with an estimated economic loss between ¥1.1–2.6 trillion (US$7.4–17.6 billion).

In the immediate aftermath, critical infrastructure, including roads, ports, and water pipelines, was severely compromised, isolating many communities. The Japanese government swiftly initiated recovery efforts, disbursing significant aid, including 139.6 billion yen from fiscal 2024 reserve funds for infrastructure, emergency housing, and disaster waste disposal. By the end of 2024, all 6,882 planned temporary housing units for earthquake victims were slated for completion, and most impassable roads were expected to reopen. However, recovery has been slow and complex, exacerbated by subsequent heavy rains in September 2024 that caused further damage and fatalities.

As of October 2026, the Noto Peninsula remains in a critical phase of reconstruction. The 2025 national census preliminary report revealed a significant population decline, with Suzu experiencing a 34.0% drop and Wajima a 26.6% drop compared to 2020, reflecting post-disaster outmigration, especially among younger demographics. Challenges persist, such as ground subsidence in coastal areas, which led Noto Town to cancel two public housing projects in September 2026. Despite these setbacks, there's a concerted push to rebuild. Infrastructure redevelopment, particularly for roads and ports, entered a full-scale phase in April 2026, utilizing advanced construction methods. Tourism, a vital industry, is gradually restarting, with some accommodation properties in Wakura Onsen and cultural sites like the Suzu Theater Museum and Gallery Funeasobi reopening in 2026. Initiatives like Trip.com Japan's 'Hope Tourism Project' and Ishikawa Prefecture's business support subsidies aim to revitalize the local economy and attract visitors.

The long-term recovery for Noto is expected to continue for many years, with a focus on not just physical reconstruction but also on addressing the demographic challenges and preserving the region's unique cultural identity. The Wajima Morning Market and Hotel Mercato Wajima are anticipated to resume full operations in 2027, signaling further progress in the region's arduous journey toward a 'creative reconstruction' that aims to restore a vibrant townscape and bring back smiles to its people.