On February 28, 2025, the Japanese government announced its decision to allocate ¥106.8 billion (approximately $710 million) from the fiscal 2024 budget reserve funds to provide disaster relief for the Noto Peninsula, which has been reeling from the aftermath of the magnitude 7.6 earthquake on January 1, 2024. This funding marks the eighth round of relief efforts utilizing budget reserves for the region, bringing the total financial commitment from the government to over ¥820 billion across various initiatives aimed at recovery and rebuilding.
This recent financial package is part of the government’s broader commitment to address the challenges faced by the residents of the Noto Peninsula, who not only encountered the destruction from the earthquake but also suffered from torrential rains and subsequent disasters. Cabinet ministers underscored the necessity for quick action, stating, "The new system is highly flexible to respond quickly to policy needs." The funding breakdown includes ¥50 billion dedicated to building grants for reconstruction efforts, which will be managed by local governments under the new flexible system established to facilitate timely responses to community needs.
Another significant portion of the funding—¥42.3 billion—has been earmarked for the disposal of disaster-related waste, where communities are grappling with the aftereffects of destruction. The remainder, amounting to ¥14.6 billion, will support the restoration of infrastructure, encompassing roads, ports, and other facilities critically needed to regain normalcy.
The Ishikawa Prefectural Government, taking account of the disaster's extensive toll, had proactively requested these funds to streamline the recovery process. The newly allocated financial resources are expected to assist not only with obvious infrastructural repairs but also with less visible but equally pressing needs such as restoring tap water and sewage facilities, maintaining riverbanks, and supporting farmland restoration initiatives. Approximately half of the new allocation will focus on dismantling badly damaged buildings, thereby creating space for new construction and ensuring safer living conditions.
When taking stock of previous assistance, this recent round of funding adds to about ¥5.5 billion already dedicated to the recovery since the initial earthquake. Previous efforts have included direct monetary support for local governments to determine their most pressing needs, highlighting the government's approach to empowering affected communities to manage their reconstruction as deemed necessary.
The residents and local authorities of the Noto Peninsula have expressed gratitude for the government’s sustained support. The commitment exhibited through financial allocations has been pivotal for residents who hold onto hope for returning their beloved region to its former vibrancy.
Significantly, the supplementary budget for the current fiscal year has also reserved funds amounting to approximately ¥1.7 billion, facilitating economic resilience strategies and addressing disaster preparedness within the communities. Local leaders are optimistic, believing this continuous backup will deepen recovery practices and potentially underpin future growth strategies.
The government’s proactive measures reflect Japan’s long-standing dedication to disaster response, highlighting the lessons learned from past earthquakes and their impacts on infrastructure and community resilience. Maintaining communication with local authorities remains key to the government’s strategy as they navigate the complex layers of recovery, rebuilding, and future mitigation strategies.
With renewed resolve, the Japanese government aims to stabilize the Noto Peninsula as it pushes forward not only to rehabilitate but to innovate upon the community needs shaped by these recent disasters. With the total support now surpassing ¥820 billion, eyes are fixed on ensuring swift actions and enhanced policy frameworks to secure the region’s future.