Disaster-hit Wajima market takes 1st step toward recovery - NHKニュース

Construction has been completed on the first new shop to be built since a fire in 2024 destroyed a morning market district in Ishikawa Prefecture, central Japan. In Wajima City, the flames erupted immediately after an earthquake hit the Noto Peninsula.

The shop is expected to reopen next spring, marking a major step toward the revival of the Wajima Morning Market district, which is regarded as a symbol of the city's recovery from the disaster.

The market street is located in the city center. Before the disaster, its shops and stalls selling Wajima lacquerware and local seafood drew around 500,000 visitors a year.

But a major fire that broke out shortly after the earthquake destroyed about 240 structures, including shops and homes, across an area of 49,000 square meters. The damaged buildings were later demolished using public funds, and the land cleared.

Of around 230 landowners in the area before the quake, about 100 gave up plans to rebuild and sold their land.

Reconstruction work on the morning market street began in March this year. The newly-reopened shop sells Wajima lacquerware and is scheduled to reopen next spring.

Construction is also underway on a commercial facility that will accommodate 14 stores, including restaurants and seafood retailers affected by the disaster. The facility is due for completion next spring.