Key Points
- Journalist Jun Hori reports from Wajima City, where many neighborhoods remain without running water three months after the January 1st earthquake.
- Local residents express growing frustration over the slow pace of government-led demolition and debris removal.
- The “forgotten” sentiment is rising among survivors as national media attention shifts away from the disaster zone.
- Community-led support networks are proving essential for the survival and mental health of elderly residents in temporary housing.
Full Transcript (English)
Host (Jun Hori): I am standing here in Monzen-machi, Wajima City, on the Noto Peninsula. It has been exactly three months since the massive earthquake struck on New Year’s Day. As you can see behind me, the scars of the disaster are still raw. Many houses remain exactly as they were the day they collapsed. The sound of heavy machinery is sparse, and the recovery feels painfully slow for those living here.
Host: One of the most critical issues is the water supply. While the government reports progress, the reality on the ground is different. I’m joined by Mr. Sato, a local resident who has been coordinating community efforts.
Guest (Sato): We are still living out of water jugs. Every day, we have to go to the water station. It’s physically exhausting, especially for the elderly. We were told water would be back by now, but the pipes are so badly damaged that every time they fix one section, another leak springs up. It feels like we are being left behind.
Host: You mentioned feeling “left behind.” Can you tell us more about the atmosphere in the community right now?
Guest (Sato): In the beginning, there were so many volunteers and news cameras. Now, the streets are quiet. We see the news talking about other things, and we worry that the rest of Japan thinks Noto is back to normal. We aren’t. We can’t even begin to rebuild because the city hasn’t cleared the rubble from the roads or started the official demolition of red-tagged houses.
Host: The psychological toll is evident. Many residents are living in a state of limbo, unable to move forward with their lives while surrounded by destruction. Despite this, there are signs of resilience. Small, local initiatives are popping up to provide hot meals and a space for people to talk.
Host: At 8bitNews, we believe it is vital to keep the spotlight on Noto. We cannot let these voices be silenced by the passage of time. We will continue to document the reality of the recovery process and hold the authorities accountable for the promises made to these citizens. Reporting from Wajima, this is Jun Hori.
