A crested ibis with spread wings, looking proud. (© Fumie Oyama)
このページを 日本語 で読む
The Japanese crested ibis is expected to fly freely in the region by 2026, with Ishikawa Prefecture's help. The area was the last habitat of the species before its extinction from Honshu, Japan's main island in 2003.
Therefore, the move holds particular significance for the region.
Meanwhile, even as the crested ibis reintroduction project progressed, the region was struck by successive natural disasters in 2024. Despite the devastation, Ishikawa Prefecture has been undeterred in its support for local communities and determination to "build back better."
In a statement shared exclusively with JAPAN Forward, Ishikawa Governor HASE Hiroshi shared his thoughts on the region's resilience and recovery and the challenges ahead. The full statement follows in English.
Statement of Governor HASE Hiroshi
The earthquake that struck the Noto Peninsula on January 1, 2024, measuring a maximum intensity of 7 on the Japanese seismic scale, claimed many precious lives and caused extensive damage to homes, lifelines and community infrastructure.
Less than a year later in September, the Oku-Noto region was hit by record-breaking torrential rains.
The recovery and reconstruction of the twice-hit Noto region will be arduous. However, we will keep supporting the people in the affected areas, overcome these challenges, and build back better.
Noto was the last native habitat of the crested ibis on Honshu, Japan's main island. Therefore in 2022, for the species' revival, the government selected Ishikawa Prefecture as a candidate site for the bird's release. Since then, we have been working with local residents preparing the crested ibis for release into the wild, including developing rice paddies that will serve as feeding grounds.
Even after the earthquake, residents have reassured us that they were continuing their efforts and would not give up on the release of the crested ibis.
We will continue to make every effort to release the birds as early as fiscal year 2026 so that the sight of the crested ibis soaring again in the sky over Noto will become a symbol of Noto's creative recovery.
Author: HASE Hiroshi, Governor, Ishikawa Prefecture
このページを 日本語 で読む
