The earthquake on the Noto Peninsula has led to a serious outflow of young people, leaving the region struggling to rebuild. Local residents are increasingly concerned that there will be no one left to carry out the long-term “creative reconstruction” that Ishikawa Prefecture is pursuing.
In Wajima and Suzu, the two cities hardest hit by the earthquake, the population of people under 30 years old has decreased by about 12% and 8% respectively compared to a year ago. In contrast, the number of people over 70 fell by about 4% and 5% respectively, indicating a more serious exodus of younger residents.
Toshio Itoya, 69, a community leader in Suzu’s Noroshimachi district, at the tip of the Noto Peninsula, is deeply concerned about the trend.
“Who will help with the reconstruction? We old people certainly can’t do that,” he said. Even if temporary housing is built and infrastructure is repaired, he doubts many will return.
Young people are leaving because “they can’t earn a living here,” he explained. “If there is money to be made, people will come.”
Two years ago, Itoya received government approval for a regional development project and started a cooperative to send urban youth to local restaurants and farmers in need of labor. These workers perform different tasks every season and every day of the week.
At one point the cooperative employed ten young people, but the earthquake hit the project hard, causing five of them to leave Noto. Some had decided to continue working as full-time employees, but lost their homes due to the earthquake, forcing them to move.
According to Itoya, youth need a viable system to live in the primary sectors, but the challenges are significant.
“If there is a guarantee of a decent salary and cheap housing, people will come,” he said, emphasizing the need for social housing and other support for young residents.
Ishikawa Prefecture’s reconstruction plan focuses on increasing the number of people actively involved in community building without having to settle permanently. However, Itoya is skeptical about its effectiveness.
“We have to take care of the cows and mow the grass,” he said.
“Without people willing to settle down and work hard at the grassroots of the community, it will be impossible to sustain it.”
Translated by The Japan Times
