Connecting Noto's Salvaged Materials to the Next Generation: 'Noto Upcycle Platform' Established June 1, 2026

This organization is a wide-area network aimed at promoting creative reconstruction following the earthquake by re-evaluating and facilitating the reuse of salvaged materials, fittings, and tools from the 13 municipalities in the Noto region designated under the Peninsula Development Act. The participating members include Kanamaru Shoten Co., Ltd., Kozai Create Aogumi, Suzu Fittings Bank, Nakazen Construction Co., Ltd., Noto Fukko Lab, Himi Kozai Knot Work, and Tanseisha Co., Ltd. Moving forward, the platform will recruit additional members, strengthen collaborations with external partners in architecture and manufacturing, and work on disseminating information, co-creating products, and generating specific utilization projects to pass on Noto's history to the next generation. The 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake, which occurred on January 1, 2024, caused extensive damage, with over 40,000 buildings slated for public demolition. Many of these were traditional structures that had withstood the harsh climate of the Sea of Japan coast for generations. Faced with the reality that many of these materials were being incinerated during the recovery process, volunteers across Noto launched 'Salvage Rescue' efforts to save materials before demolition. These materials have been transformed into interior elements and furniture, serving as a bridge for memories of people's lives to the next generation. However, collaboration between groups was previously limited, and know-how regarding collection, storage, and utilization remained siloed. Developing methods for large materials like pillars and beams, and building a cooperative system across regions and industries, has become an urgent task. Now, as the region transitions from public demolition to full-scale urban development, this platform was established to accelerate 'creative reconstruction' through upcycling.