Two years after a powerful earthquake struck the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture, a facility combining a cafeteria and supermarket is providing essential support to residents in Wajima. Sumika Shibata, a 60-year-old former school lunch cook impacted by the January 1, 2024, disaster, led the establishment of Toge Marche in the city's Toge district in late November.
The magnitude 7 earthquake that hit the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture on January 1, 2024, caused extensive damage, particularly in Wajima, where it registered the highest level 7 on Japan's seismic intensity scale. This disaster upended daily lives, making access to food and hot meals a persistent challenge in the affected areas.
Sumika Shibata, who was personally affected by the quake, volunteered immediately after to deliver hot meals to locals. Drawing from this experience, she initiated the creation of Toge Marche, a dual-purpose facility in Wajima's Toge district, which opened in late November. As a former school lunch cook, Shibata's effort addresses ongoing needs in the community.
Now, two years post-disaster, Toge Marche serves as a crucial lifeline, combining dining and shopping options to support recovery in the heavily impacted region.