On 1st January, Noto in Ishikawa prefecture was struck by a massive earthquake, which also caused a devastating tsunami that destroyed many homes within the area. While the instinct for many of us is to travel to the region to offer our help, locals are warning that this may not be the best cause of action.
In a series of Instagram Stories posted from the area, Shin Takagi – owner and chef of Japanese restaurant Zeniya in nearby Kanazawa – has urged people not to come. Takagi warns that those visiting Noto post-earthquake without a plan, even with the best intentions of helping the community, could make the situation worse. “There are only a few roads leading to the area,” he says, but these are being blocked by members of the public causing traffic jams.
In some cases, Takagi says, there have also been cases of those coming to help actually diverting attention away from the earthquake victims. “The roads are in a dangerous state,” he says, “so people break down on the way and ask the police or the Self-Defence Force [the Japanese Armed Forces] to come to their rescue.”
Since the earthquake Takagi, who speaks fluent English and is connected to a global network of chefs, has been contacted by many individuals and international non-profit organisations offering to volunteer their time. He says his Instagram Stories were published to encourage people to think about the best way they can help, which may not involve travelling to the region for some time. He explains that the stories were posted due to his frustration about the lack of information that has been shared with the public, particularly in English. “There will be a time when we can start helping out,” he says. “But for now, it’s important to get the necessary information to prepare and plan before you visit.”
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