Editorial

17:08 JST, January 2, 2026

It has been two years since the Noto Peninsula Earthquake struck on Jan. 1, 2024. In the four municipalities of the Okunoto area of Ishikawa Prefecture, which suffered extensive damage, population outflow and aging continue unabated. Sustainable reconstruction that accounts for a society with a declining population is crucial.

The estimated population of the four municipalities in the Okunoto area — Wajima, Suzu, Noto and Anamizu — has decreased from 55,213 before the earthquake to 47,911 as of Nov. 1, 2025, a decline exceeding 13%. The rate of decrease among those in their 40s and younger is particularly high, double the rate among those aged 50 and above.

The background of these changes includes a decline in job opportunities and a worsened childcare environment. Across the four municipalities, 370 businesses have closed or plan to close. The number of........

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