Editorial: Recovery of industry in Noto essential to protect culture after Japan quake – The Mainichi

By inergency On Mar 2, 2024

The building of Goshimaya, a company that produces Wajima lacquerware, is seen collapsed on Jan. 16, 2024, following the earthquake in Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture. (Mainichi/Takuya Kurozume)

Two months have passed since the Jan. 1 Noto Peninsula earthquake. The Japanese government estimates that the damage in Ishikawa Prefecture alone will reach between 900 billion yen (about $6 billion) and 1.3 trillion yen (around $8.66 billion).

Local industries grounded in the region’s natural features have supported residents’ lives and nurtured their pride and attachment to the areas. They also hold the key to disaster recovery.

The prefecture’s gross domestic product for fiscal 2020 was approximately 4.5 trillion yen (roughly $30 billion), highlighting the scale of the destruction. The damaged infrastructure and buildings are concentrated in Noto.

The situation surrounding famous Wajima lacquerware is also severe. Known for its advanced division of labor in which craftspeople handle over 120 processes, the industry is the backbone of the city of Wajima, employing about 1,000 people.

A Wajima lacquerware craftsperson wipes away tears after seeing the burnt ruins of the Wajima Morning Market, where the traditional lacquerware was also sold, in Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture, on Jan. 22, 2024. (Mainichi/Yuki Kurisu)

Many workshops and stores were lost in the Wajima Morning Market fire, and many craftspeople are now living where they evacuated. The local lacquerware industry cooperative association issued a statement expressing concern, saying, “We are struggling to survive, and our valuable skills are going to disappear.”

The central government will fully fund temporary workshops to be established in April. A decision was made to provide a maximum subsidy of 10 million yen (some $67,000) per business for the resumption of production and procurement of raw materials under the Act on the Promotion of Traditional Craft Industries.

Normally, public documents and photos showing the disaster damage are required for applications, but it is not easy for quake victims to temporarily return to check their workshops and other locations. The central government should respond flexibly based on the actual situation.

While only businesses related to Wajima lacquerware and Nanao Buddhist altars are eligible for such subsidies in Noto, there are many other traditional industries. These include Suzu ware, with a history dating back to the late Heian period (794-1185), as well as candles and “shichirin” charcoal grills.

The Ishikawa Prefectural Government will aid production of items that aren’t covered by national support. The assistance should be designed to increase the motivation of producers.

Reconstruction of the agriculture, forestry and fisheries industries, which employ many workers, is also essential. Damage to agricultural land, fishing ports and forestry roads is estimated by the prefectural government to total around 200 billion yen (about $1.33 billion).

It is necessary to protect the production of branded local food products such as winter yellowtail and Noto beef, which have been successfully marketed through the efforts of all concerned.

While the area is considered one of the four major birthplaces of “toji,” or master brewers, many sake breweries don’t have a clear outlook on resuming operations. Furthermore, Agehama-style salt farms, known for their traditional production methods, have been damaged by ground upheaval.

These unique industries are also irreplaceable culture for local residents. Efforts to advance their recovery will surely restore the region’s vitality.