We would like to express our deepest sympathies to the victims of the recent earthquake that struck the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture.

On January 1, 2024, a magnitude 7.6 earthquake hit the Noto region of Ishikawa Prefecture, causing significant damage to many workshops in craft production areas such as Wajima and Suzu renowned for their traditional crafts. This earthquake followed another major earthquake in Suzu in 2022 that resulted in the collapse of numerous kilns, from which artists were still in the midst of rebuilding.

I visited Wajima and Suzu last September. The breathtaking landscapes of Noto and the tranquil scenes of Wajima’s morning market are still vivid in my memory. The extent of the damage from this recent earthquake has left me deeply saddened.

Amidst ongoing aftershocks, concerns exist about the supply of goods and the state of infrastructure. Nevertheless, the resolute words expressed by individual craftsmen there reflect the resilience of the people living in Noto, and give a sense of hope as they face the coming reconstruction.

Every piece these artisans create will play a part in that rebuilding.

We at HULS will continue to support the sale of their crafts, hoping to contribute to the collective effort of rebuilding.

HULS GALLERY
Yusuke Shibata