On Saturday, February 28, 2026, “Noto Satoyama Satoumi Talk 4” was held at the Annex Terrace of the United Nations University headquarters in Tokyo. The Noto Peninsula, designated as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS), is a region where the rich natural environment of Satoyama and Satoumi, and the ways of life rooted in them have been passed down through generations. Following the 2024 earthquake and heavy rains, efforts toward recovery and reconstruction are still ongoing. For this fourth session, practitioners engaged in recovery efforts from both within and outside Noto were invited as guest speakers, and the talk was moderated by Sayako Koyama (Research Associate, UNU-IAS OUIK).
Guest Speakers: Kensui Onda (Noto Satoyama Satoumi Meister Network), Yuki Hagino (nogashi labo&factory), Eriko Fukuda (Noto Cafe)
Mr. Onda, who lives in Kyoto and whose grandfather was originally from Wajima City, introduced the “Noto Satoyama Satoumi SDGs Meister Program” run by by Kanazawa University. Launched in 2007, the programme aims to nurture the next generation of leaders who will contribute to Noto’s recovery and revitalization. It was also shared that all the speakers at this event are graduates of the programme. The programme now offers online participation, which has led to an increase in participants from outside the Ishikawa Prefecture, and it is also involved in providing support for people working on recovery efforts in the region.
Ms. Hagino spoke about how the earthquake and heavy rains once again brought into focus the importance of ways of living that do not rely too heavily on infrastructure. She described how she was supported by the wisdom and preparedness rooted in everyday life connected to Satoyama and Satoumi, including the spring water behind her home in Wajima City, stored firewood, preserved foods, and ties with other people. She also spoke about the current situation in Noto, where, even as the demolition of collapsed houses and the construction of new homes are progressing, more urban-style houses without semi-outdoor spaces such as eaves or earthen floors are being built. As a result, not only is the local landscape changing, but it is also becoming more difficult to continue everyday practices that have long supported life in Noto, such as drying fish and other foods, making pickles, and cooking over a fire.
Ms. Fukuda, who is originally from Suzu City and now lives in Tokyo, introduced her work to connect people inside and outside the region through Noto’s local specialty products. She explained that in Noto, many people produce small quantities mainly for home consumption, and as a result, many local products do not reach markets outside the prefecture. Noticing this, she has created a system in which she purchases these specialty goods herself, sells them in Tokyo, and returns the proceeds to Noto. She also mentioned that, in order to build sustainable partnerships, she collaborates with a wide range of people and organizations to expand the scope of her activities.
During the talk, speakers exchanged views on the Meister Program’s post-disaster initiatives, what helped them after the disaster, and the current state of recovery and reconstruction. They also discussed how people both within and outside the region can continue to be involved in recovery efforts. Mr. Onda emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for people to first learn about Noto, while Ms. Hagino highlighted the value of supporting one another in a natural and sustainable way, simply because people care about the region. Ms. Fukuda expressed her hope that people will experience Noto’s unique charm and feel the deep connections between its people and nature.
On Saturday, March 28, we will hold Satoyama Satoumi Talk 5 at the same venue. Please feel free to join the event.
