In Kitaomachi, Himi City, Toyama Prefecture, where buildings suffered extensive damage in the Noto Peninsula earthquake on New Year’s Day, “publicly funded demolition” has begun, in which buildings are being demolished and removed at the local government’s expense on behalf of their owners.

Reporter: “Here in Kita-Omachi, workers are clearing the road to ensure a clear passage.”

In Kitaomachi, Himi City, where buildings suffered repeated damage from liquefaction in the Noto Peninsula earthquake, “publicly funded demolition” has begun on four buildings, including a collapsed liquor store.

“Publicly funded demolition” is a system in which local governments demolish and remove houses and other structures that have sustained partial or more damage in an earthquake on behalf of their owners.

On the first day, workers removed debris and other materials to make way for trucks and heavy machinery.

Kenji Noda of Sanko Civil Engineering:
“This is a house filled with precious memories of everyone who lived there, so we would like to demolish it carefully and with sincerity.”

It’s been almost six months since the earthquake. What are local residents thinking about the finally-started “publicly funded demolition”?

Neighbor:
“I had been hoping for a long time that something could be done, so this is the day I’ve been waiting for. I just went out and thought it finally started. I want things to move forward quickly so that I can return in a good condition.”

Neighbor:
“It really felt like nothing had changed, but now it’s finally started… I have to switch gears. I can’t keep my feelings static forever, so I think I’ll take a step forward.”

While there are some positive voices being heard…

Neighbor:
“I’m very sad that we have to destroy it after all.”

Neighbor:
“The town is becoming lonely. They say that about 40 houses will disappear in Kita-Omachi, so everyone is saying that it’s gradually becoming lonely.”

In Himi City, damage to over 6,300 houses has been confirmed, including 223 completely destroyed and 485 partially destroyed (a total of 6,337 houses). Although over 300 applications for “publicly funded demolition” have already been submitted, only 10 have been demolished, including the four that were demolished today.

The chairman of the Kitaomachi neighborhood association…

Kano Town Chairman, Bansho Mitsuaki:
“We’ve been dragging on like this for the past six months and everyone is exhausted…”

Caster:
“Do you get the impression that public expenditure is being slow to be dismantled?”

Kano Town Chairman, Bansho Mitsuaki:
“That’s true. This may not just be the case in Himi, though. I want them to act quickly, otherwise the town won’t be able to take any action…” “I think we have to go through another difficult year or two before we can even start to talk about recovery.”

Himi city hopes to complete the publicly funded demolition by the end of next fiscal year.