Publisher to Reprint Picture Book Depicting Wajima Market of 1970s

The Yomiuri Shimbun

20:47 JST, February 9, 2024

A picture book first published in 1980 depicting the Wajima Morning Market, which was devastated in the New Year’s Day earthquake, will be reprinted, with proceeds from sales going to help relief efforts, the publisher announced Friday.

Fukuinkan Shoten Publishers, Inc., said it decided to reprint the book, titled “Asaichi,” meaning “morning market,” in response for calls to see it back on store shelves as a means of expressing hope for a recovery from the Noto Peninsula Earthquake.

“Asaichi” was first published in January 1980 and introduces the market of the 1970s in Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture, as a place of business where produce from both the sea and land are brought together, as well as a social gathering place. Wajima was hit especially hard in the disaster.

Fukuinkan Shoten has its roots in Ishikawa Prefecture. The reprint is scheduled for March 6, and a portion of sales will be donated to the Japanese Red Cross Society.