Noto Peninsula Earthquake

News in Pictures / Prayer for Victims of Noto Peninsula Earthquake 1 Year on

Yomiuri Shimbun photos
**Left:** The sun rises in Suzu, Ishikawa Prefecture, on Wednesday. **Right:** People offer silent prayers for the victims in Wajima on Wednesday.

The Yomiuri Shimbun

15:30 JST, January 7, 2025

A year has passed since the Noto Peninsula Earthquake struck on New Year’s Day, which would normally be a peaceful time. This year, people in the areas affected by the disaster — where signs of the devastation still remain — mourned the victims and prayed for the region’s recovery.

The Yomiuri Shimbun
A woman prays at the site of a relative’s home on Wednesday. Her relative was killed in the earthquake.
The Yomiuri Shimbun
A boy plays with water on Wednesday at the site of his home, which was destroyed by the earthquake in Wajima.
The Yomiuri Shimbun
Excavators work at the site of the Wajima Morning Market in Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture, on Friday. Many buildings have been removed from the area, which was badly damaged by large fires caused by the earthquake.

A moment of silence was observed at 4:10 p.m., the time the earthquake occurred, on Wednesday in various parts of the affected areas in Ishikawa Prefecture, including the cities of Wajima and Suzu.

At a temple in Wajima, a memorial service was held for the victims of the earthquake and the torrential rains that hit the area in September. The temple’s bell was rung 18 times at 4:10 p.m. to commemorate the victims.

Various events have also been held in an effort to boost the spirits of people affected by the disaster.