Noto Peninsula Earthquake 2nd Anniversary: 67% of Residents See No Progress

Scars remain deeper than the reconstruction efforts. As of January 1, 2026, exactly two years since the devastating Noto Peninsula Earthquake, a staggering 67% of affected residents report feeling no tangible progress in recovery. The psychological toll is mounting as the region struggles to rebuild its broken foundation.

Noto Peninsula Earthquake 2nd Anniversary: Barriers to Rebuilding

Recovery isn't just a matter of funding; it's a battle against geography and demographics. In areas like Toyama Prefecture, widespread liquefaction has shifted land boundaries, making it legally impossible for many to start rebuilding their homes. This administrative nightmare has fueled a steady exodus of the younger population.

The elderly are suffering the most. Local care facilities are overwhelmed, with many unable to accept new patients for short-term stays due to staffing shortages and damaged infrastructure. Surveys show that those who chose to stay in Oku-Noto harbor significantly higher levels of anxiety about their future compared to those who relocated.

Falling Short of International Aid Standards

A critical gap in Japan's disaster readiness has also surfaced. Over 80% of the stockpiled clothing in evacuation centers failed to meet international humanitarian standards. This revelation has sparked intense debate over the modernization of Japan's disaster management protocols, which many experts argue are outdated for the current demographic reality.