News Discussion

Wajima Morning Market Reopens at New Location

Customers purchase vegetables and fruits at the Wajima Morning Market's new location in Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture (©Kyodo)

Wajima Morning Market (Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture) was forced to close following a major fire caused by the Noto Peninsula earthquake. However, on July 10, it reopened at a local commercial facility in the city. This was the market's first outing at its new location. Moving forward, the market plans to open daily in alignment with the facility's operating schedule, marking a significant step toward recovery.

Tomimizu Nagaki, the 55-year-old chairman of the Wajima Asaichi Association, expressed his joy. "Six months after the disaster, we are finally back," he commented.

On this day, approximately 30 shops selling seafood, Wajima lacquerware, and other goods set up stalls. At 9 AM, when the facility opened, residents and those involved in Wajima's recovery efforts began arriving one after another.

Sumiko Yoshimori (75), who bought chopsticks from her favorite shop, spoke about the importance of the market’s revival. "I think the local morning market's return will revitalize the community," she remarked. Eiko Yamagishi (72) purchased sandwiches and vegetables. "Before the disaster, I used to come to the morning market every day for shopping," she shared. "Today, I could finally chat again for the first time in six months."

The venue hosting the market is situated approximately one kilometer south of Asaichi Street, which was struck by a major fire. Orange tents, symbolic of the Wajima Morning Market, were neatly laid out inside the venue.

1. 1. be forced to ～～することを強いられる・余儀なくされる、強制的に～させられる、～せざるを得なくなる
   We were forced to find another route because of the road closure.
2. 2. in alignment with （ある目的や基準と）一致・調和・合致して
   The changes were made in alignment with customer feedback.
3. 3. revitalize 復興させる、再生する、活性化する、新しい活力を与える、新しい命を吹き込む
   They plan to revitalize the local economy by attracting new businesses and creating more job opportunities.
4. 4. used to 以前はよく～した、昔は～したものだった、以前は～だった
   She used to play the piano for an hour each evening after finishing her homework.
5. 5. be laid out 広げられる、並べられている、設計された、説明されている、検討中である
   The various books were laid out on the shelves in alphabetical order.

1. 1. Why was the Wajima Morning Market forced to close?
2. 2. How did Sumiko Yoshimori feel about the market’s revival?
3. 3. If your favorite local market was forced to close, how would you feel? What would you miss the most?
4. 4. Why do you think it is important for people to support local businesses after an event like a fire or a natural disaster?
5. 5. How can community events, like a morning market, help people connect with each other?

能登半島地震による大規模火災で開けなくなっている輪島朝市（石川県輪島市）が７月１０日、市内の商業施設で出張開催された。輪島市での出張朝市は初めて。今後、施設の営業日に合わせて毎日開催する予定で、再建に向けた大きな一歩となる。輪島市朝市組合の冨水長毅組合長（５５）は「震災から半年たって、やっと戻ってこられた」と喜びをにじませる。

この日は海産物や輪島塗などを販売する約３０店が出店。午前９時、施設が開店すると、次々と地元住民や復興関係で輪島にいる人が訪れた。

なじみの店で箸を購入した吉森すみ子さん（７５）は「地元に朝市が戻ってきて活気が出ると思う」。山岸栄子さん（７２）は「震災前は毎日朝市に買いに行っていた。今日は半年ぶりにしゃべれた」と話し、サンドイッチや野菜を買った。

会場となる商業施設は、大規模火災に見舞われた「朝市通り」から約１キロ南にある。施設内には、輪島朝市のシンボルであるオレンジ色のテントが並んだ。