British Ambassador to Japan, Julia Longbottom Visits Projects in the Noto Peninsula

This article is a translation of a report by Taisuke Yokota of Camping with Soul, who has been a key influence in all 3 of the Chamber’s Noto Peninsula support missions.

On August 19, the BCCJ continued its support of the Noto Peninsula by assisting the coordination of a third trip to the region most affected by the earthquake on January 1, 2024. This time, we welcomed His Majesty’s Ambassador to Japan, Julia Longbottom CMG, His Majesty’s Consul General Osaka, Carolyn Davidson, alongside a number of other delegates of the British Embassy Tokyo and BCCJ.

Although the situation across the Noto Peninsula is improving day by day, residents are still very much in the process of rebuilding their lives, from the homes they live in, to finding regularity in the jobs they once had.

As part of the visit, we would like to thank the support of Jaguar Land Rover for providing the team with a Defender 130 to transport supplies to the region. We would also like to recognise the work of BCCJ member Klein Dytham architecture (KDa), who is working with the NPO ‘Home-for-All’, established by Pritzker Prize laureate Toyo Ito, to support displaced families in Suzu City. Their first ‘Home-for-All’ will be built in the small town of Noroshi, on the most remote tip of the Noto peninsula, and is due to open in September 2024 adjacent to temporary housing, which is currently being built. It was a pleasure to have Mark Dytham MBE of KDa, also BCCJ Executive Committee member, join the visit.

Below are 3 key areas observed during the latest visit.

Livelihoods

One project we visited is transitioning residents from evacuation centres to temporary housing. This initiative is also addressing the removal of wreckage and the demolition of damaged structures. The goal is to restore local infrastructure to at very least the condition before the earthquake. The scale of the task ahead remains large and it has become apparent this will take a degree of patience due to a lack of available construction workers. Rebuilding the area is a necessity for individuals to rebuild their livelihoods.

Heart

Many people on the Noto Peninsula have lost loved ones and fellow community members. It is crucial for us to show compassion and support to those affected. Any individuals and companies can contribute by volunteering, donating to organisations making a difference in the area, or simply purchasing local products and posting about them online. If you’d like to learn more about how you can help, please email [email protected], and we will be happy to provide further information.

Business

Local businesses are crucial for revitalising the area’s economy and spirit. During our visit, we toured a Wajima lacquerware workshop that, despite being housed in a damaged building, continued its production. This underscored the remarkable resilience and dedication of the local artisans. Additionally, we observed the installation of a temporary jetty, which will support the fishing community in resuming its activities and help in catching the renowned snow crabs.

Interaction with the Wajima Chamber of Commerce and Industry

During this visit, we met up with delegates of the Wajima Chamber of Commerce and Industry. They shared that some of the core industries in Wajima are lacquerware, fishing and sake and that these industries need outside support now more than ever before to help the restoration of industry to the area. What has been useful is the Hometown Tax donation (Furusato Nozei), a system that allows individuals to receive income tax and inhabitant tax deductions for donations made to local governments of their choice. We encourage BCCJ members to look into this initiative.

One important thing to remember from the 3 trips to Noto Peninsula so far is that due to Japan’s geographic location and climate, one should never assume they are safe and always look to pre-prepare themselves for future earthquakes. If you / your organisation are looking for guidance in this area, please contact the BCCJ team.