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JAPAN Forward launched its "Ignite" series of essays in English to directly share Japanese students' voices with their global peers. Nagoya University Graduate School student Momoe Yamada from Ishikawa Prefecture is one. As part of the US-Japan Council's TOMODACHI Initiative, Yamada and other participants traveled to the Ishikawa region devastated by the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake on March 14-15, 2026. But in her case, she was also returning to her home region. She wanted to see for herself the state of reconstruction efforts after an earthquake she herself had experienced.
The TOMODACHI Initiative is a private-public partnership between the US Embassy Tokyo and the US-Japan Council. Launched in the wake of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, it focuses on developing next-generation leaders in Japan and the United States. This particular Noto Peninsula project was organized by the TOMODACHI Regional Representative of the Chubu-Hokuriku Region, Shiori Sata. Funding was provided by Prudential and Amazon.
Yamada's essay is the ninth by participants in the TOMODACHI 2026 Noto Peninsula project. It is the 48th essay in the Ignite series. Focusing on the town of Wakura Onsen, she asks us to consider the feelings of the community and sustainability as reconstruction measures are planned and carried out. Let's listen.
Forty-eighth in the Series, 'Ignite'
By Momoe Yamada
Essay on the TOMODACHI Initiative Noto Peninsula Project
I participated in a program in the Noto Peninsula focused on disaster resilience and sustainability, held on March 14–15, 2026, both as an organizing member and as one originally from Ishikawa.
Connection with TOMODACHI
My connection with the TOMODACHI Initiative began when I participated in the 2022 TOMODACHI Sumitomo Corporation Scholarship Program. When I was in my second year as an undergraduate, I studied abroad at Southern Illinois University Carbondale in the United States and received scholarship support from the program for one year. I chose to participate because it was essential for achieving my future goals.
For a long time, I have aspired to become a high school English teacher who can convey both the importance and enjoyment of learning English, and to become a bridge between Japan and the United States through education. I was inspired by interactions with my cohorts and alumni, as well as the mentorship system. It was an invaluable opportunity for personal growth.
After the program, I now serve as a core committee member of the TOMODACHI Regional Framework for the Chubu-Hokuriku. In this role, I mainly organize events for alumni in the region, and this Noto visit was planned as part of our activities.
Visiting the Disaster Area as an Alumna from Ishikawa
I am originally from Uchinada Town in Ishikawa and was affected by the disaster. When the earthquake happened on January 1, 2024, I was back home in Ishikawa. I will never forget the fear I felt. Fortunately, my house was safe, but I was shocked to see my familiar school route and my relatives’ houses severely damaged.
I had often visited Noto ー especially Wakura Onsen in Nanao City ー with family and friends. After graduating from high school, I even stayed there with my close friends. Since I had not visited after the earthquake, this trip was a meaningful opportunity to return.
Reflections on the Wakura Onsen Reconstruction Tour
One of the most memorable parts of the visit was the Wakura Onsen Reconstruction Tour. Guided by Ms Hashimoto, we walked through the area while listening to her explanations about the damage to ryokan (traditional inns) and how they responded to guests at that time.
I was honestly shocked to see how drastically the street had changed. The Wakura Onsen I knew before the earthquake was no longer there. In particular, at the ryokan Niji to Umi, where I stayed for my high school graduation trip, only the frame remained. I could even see the sea through the structure.
Also, I learned that Kagaya, a symbolic ryokan of Wakura Onsen, was scheduled for publicly funded demolition starting this April. While I can only imagine the deep sorrow felt by residents and employees, I also hope this step will help move reconstruction forward.
In my hometown, Uchinada, as well, many private houses have been demolished at public expense. I feel that this has finally helped people begin to move forward. Although many understand that taking some actions is necessary to start a new life, it is difficult for them to take that step. I learned it is essential to carry out reconstruction with the community's feelings in mind.
We also visited the coastal protection work, which we usually cannot enter. I learned that natural rocks, rather than artificial materials, are used so that they can eventually return to the sea. This approach reflects not just strengthening the coastline, but a form of reconstruction that looks toward the future and supports sustainable living in Wakura Onsen.
Conclusion
As someone from Ishikawa, I realized that sharing my experiences and raising awareness about Noto is deeply meaningful. I believe such visits to disaster-affected areas should not be one-time events but should be held regularly.
This time, we focused on learning about damage in a tourist area. But next time, I hope to visit places like Suzu and Wajima to learn about the impact on agricultural and depopulated regions. As an organizer, I am pleased with the success of this event and have already come up with ideas for future events.
About the Author
Moeko Yamada was a first-year master's degree student at the Nagoya University Graduate School when she visited Noto through the TOMODACHI Project. She was born in Uchinada Town, Ishikawa Prefecture, which is also in the Noto region.
In 2022, Yamada was a participant in the TOMODACHI Sumitomo Corporation Scholarship Program. Through it, she studied abroad at a university in southern Illinois for a year. Now, while pursuing her master's degree, she serves as a member of the TOMODACHI Regional Framework Chubu-Hokuriku Regional Core Committee.
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Author: Moeko Yamada
Master's Degree Student, Nagoya University Graduate School, and TOMODACHI Initiative Alumna
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