Japan commemorated the one-year anniversary of the devastating earthquake that struck the Noto Peninsula on January 1, 2024. The powerful quake, which registered a magnitude of 7.6, resulted in at least 500 fatalities, including many who later succumbed to health complications. Efforts to restore the affected regions are ongoing, but progress remains slow, with many residents still displaced. As of late December, approximately 21,000 individuals from Ishikawa Prefecture, located along the Sea of Japan, continue to live in temporary housing or have been evacuated from their homes. The local government is still engaged in restoring essential infrastructure and demolishing buildings that collapsed during the quake. A memorial service was held in Wajima, one of the locations severely impacted by the earthquake, where local officials offered their condolences to the victims' families and reiterated their commitment to rebuilding the affected areas. The Prime Minister of Japan acknowledged the challenges that remain and emphasized the need for speedier restoration efforts as a means of honoring those who lost their lives. He indicated intentions to amend existing laws related to disaster relief to enhance social welfare and foster collaboration between government entities and private organizations in the recovery process. During the ceremony, attendees observed a moment of silence at 4:10 p.m., the exact time the earthquake struck last year. The disaster was compounded by heavy rains in September that hindered recovery efforts and led to an increase in the number of evacuees. Local officials expressed their determination to envision a renewed Noto and pledged to direct their efforts toward effective reconstruction. Residents of the region gathered to witness the first sunrise of the new year, reflecting hope for a better future despite the challenges they have faced over the past year. A temporary altar has been erected at a shrine in Wajima that was damaged during the earthquake, allowing locals to pay their respects to the victims as they enter the new year. Many community members have noted that while some progress has been observed, significant work remains to be done to restore the area fully. The earthquake's toll has been severe, with a total of 504 confirmed deaths as of late December. Out of these, 228 fatalities occurred in Ishikawa Prefecture due to the earthquake itself, while the remaining deaths are believed to have been caused by deteriorating health, particularly among those affected by the evacuation process. Many individuals faced challenges such as lack of access to electricity, water, and medical facilities during the critical recovery period. Over 150,000 homes across Ishikawa, Niigata, Toyama, and Fukui prefectures were reported to have sustained partial or total damages due to the quake. Although all temporary housing was completed on December 23, the process took four months longer than anticipated because of heightened demand and the complications introduced by the September rains. The Ishikawa government has established nearly 6,900 makeshift homes in ten municipalities, housing over 12,000 individuals, with a significant percentage residing in the cities of Wajima and Suzu. The local economy, heavily reliant on tourism, has suffered greatly; numerous hotels, inns, and tourist facilities were either completely or partially destroyed. The historical marketplace in Wajima, a key attraction known for its cultural significance, was ravaged by a fire that obliterated around 240 structures. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism reported that 88 accommodation facilities and around 100 sightseeing venues suffered damage across the affected prefectures. As the community reflects on the past year, there remains a collective resolve to work towards recovery and rebuilding. While challenges abound, the spirit of resilience and determination persists among the residents as they look forward to a future where they can once again thrive.