More than 100 businesses have closed in municipalities affected by the Noto earthquake

According to local chambers of commerce and industry, more than 100 businesses in four municipalities in Ishikawa Prefecture have decided to close after being hit hard by the massive Noto Peninsula earthquake on January 1.

Many business owners are giving up on rebuilding their businesses as affected areas experience population outflows due to slow progress in reconstruction efforts.

As of May 27, the number of businesses that had decided to close was at least 48 in Suzu City, 38 in Wajima City, 16 in Noto City and 10 in Anamizu City.