Emergency Response to Noto Peninsula Earthquake

Overview

From October to December 2025, Japan Heart continued comprehensive support activities across Japan, responding to evolving community needs and strengthening disaster preparedness and long-term health initiatives. During this reporting period, our teams conducted rehabilitation visits and community salon events in Noto following the earthquake’s ongoing aftermath, participated in high-level disaster nursing conferences to enhance disaster response capacity, and supported local health checkups and resident outreach programs. We also engaged in public-facing charity events such as the “Santa Force” Christmas project to bring joy to children with pediatric cancer and their families, and contributed to discussions on disaster nursing at the Japan Disaster Nursing Society Annual Conference, reinforcing our commitment to sustainable, people-centered care. These collective efforts reflect Japan Heart’s mission to deliver healthcare where it is needed most and support communities as they recover and build resilience.

Key Updates & Achievements

• Continued Community Outreach in the Noto Peninsula (early October
  Japan Heart continued its medical and psychosocial support activities for residents affected by the Noto Peninsula Earthquake. Through home visits and community-based gatherings, staff carefully listened to residents’ voices while monitoring both physical and mental health conditions.
  Achievement: By maintaining consistent presence in the community, trust with residents deepened, allowing early identification of health and social concerns that often go unnoticed in prolonged recovery phases.
• Strengthening Local Disaster Response Capacity (mid-October)
  In cooperation with local stakeholders, Japan Heart attended “The 27^th Annual Conference of Japan Society of Disaster Nursing” in Tokyo. We participated in disaster preparedness initiatives aimed at reinforcing coordination among medical, welfare, and disaster-response actors.
  Achievement: These efforts helped improve shared understanding of roles during emergencies and contributed to smoother collaboration in future disaster responses.
• Mid to Long-term Support for Isolated and Vulnerable Residents (early November)
  Outreach activities focused on residents living alone or facing prolonged displacement, particularly older adults in temporary housing. Medical staff and volunteers provided check-ins, consultations, and emotional support.
  Achievement: Regular follow-ups helped prevent health deterioration and reduced feelings of isolation among residents still struggling long after the initial disaster.
• Italian-Style Evacuation Shelter Pilot in Saga Prefecture (mid-November)
  Japan Heart participated in a pilot project in Saga Prefecture to demonstrate the operation of an Italian-style evacuation shelter, emphasizing dignity, privacy, and health-conscious living conditions during disasters.
  Achievement: The pilot generated practical insights into humane shelter management models, contributing knowledge applicable to future large-scale disaster preparedness nationwide.
• 2025 - Continued Community Engagement and Health Monitoring (early December)
  Community salons and outreach visits were held to provide spaces where residents could talk openly about daily concerns, health issues, and emotional stress in Monzen-machi, Wajima city.
  Achievement: These activities supported mental well-being and reinforced community connections, which are essential for long-term recovery.
• 2025 - Earthquake Preparedness Training in Kochi Prefecture (Nankai Trough Scenario) (early December)
  Japan Heart took part in a large-scale disaster preparedness drill in Kochi Prefecture, assuming a future Nankai Trough Earthquake. The training focused on medical response, coordination, and realistic disaster scenarios.
  Achievement: Lessons learned from the drill strengthened readiness for one of Japan’s most anticipated large-scale disasters, reinforcing Japan Heart’s commitment to “not stopping medical care” even in extreme situations. 

Upcoming Goals

In the Noto Peninsula, many residents continue to live in temporary housing, facing prolonged physical, emotional, and social challenges long after the earthquake.

Japan Heart will continue to work closely with local public health nurses to organize regular community salon activities that create safe spaces for connection, dialogue, and mutual support.

These gatherings not only help rebuild social ties but also play an important role in identifying emerging health concerns related to medical care, nursing needs, and social welfare.

Moving forward, we remain committed to listening carefully to the voices of the community and responding flexibly to what is truly needed on the ground, ensuring that no one is left behind during the long road to recovery.

Acknowledgement

We sincerely thank all supporters who have stood with us since the Noto Peninsula Earthquake. Your kindness enables us not only to deliver medical and social support but also to walk alongside the community as it rebuilds.