Magnitude 7.6 earthquake strikes Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa on New Year's Day

On 1 January 2024, a magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture, on Japan's west coast. It hit in the late afternoon, while many families were gathered for the New Year holiday, and was followed by a long series of strong aftershocks.

The shaking collapsed houses, split roads and cut water and electricity across the peninsula. A large fire destroyed much of the historic morning market district in Wajima. Tsunami warnings were issued along the Sea of Japan coast, and waves reached parts of the shoreline. Landslides isolated some villages, which slowed rescue and relief work.

Hundreds of people died, including some who later died from illness and stress linked to evacuation, and thousands were forced into shelters. The disaster was one of Japan's deadliest in years and raised questions about aid access in a remote, ageing region. Recovery has been slow, and the quake has since become a reference point for memorials and art projects dedicated to rebuilding and remembrance.