Sake Nation “Noto Peninsula Earthquake and Sake Breweries ①”
2024-04-03

By Kosuke Kuji
 
As the glorious New Year of the Dragon dawned on January 1, 2024, the voice of a TV anchor sadly urged viewers to “Please evacuate,” “head to higher ground quickly,” on the evening of New Year’s Day. 
The news reported the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake. 
Right after the earthquake occurred, a “Major tsunami warning” was issued around Ishikawa prefecture for the first time since the Great East Japan Earthquake, a tsunami warning was issued along the coastline of the Sea of Japan, and a tsunami advisory was widely issued.  
The sun had set, and it was dark outside. 
The New Year variety entertainment show switched to a special news report led by NHK, as various TV programs switched to news when major disasters strike to provide regular updates.
The new year started off as a tragic journey.    
The status of the tsunami was not known for a while after the major tsunami warning was issued. Aware of the damage incurred by tsunamis after the Great East Japan Earthquake, I prayed for the safety of survivors. My heart anguished over not knowing the latest status of victims on site following the disaster. 
Noto peninsula is also known as one of the three major regions of master sake brewers (toji), named “Noto Toji.” Home to nearly ten sake breweries, Noto peninsula is also home to my younger colleague’s brewery. From this issue on, I will share stories about the Noto Peninsula Earthquake and local sake breweries in the next several reports.       
 
 
酒豪大陸「能登半島沖地震と酒蔵①」  
2024年1月1日、輝かしい辰年の新年が明けた、元日の夕方、テレビでは「逃げてください」「急いで高台へ」とアナウンサーの悲痛な声が響いていました。
能登半島沖地震発災。
地震発生からすぐに、東日本大震災以来の「大津波警報」が石川県中心に出され、日本海側の沿岸部には津波警報、津波注意報も同時に広範囲に出ました。
すでに日暮れで、外は暗くなっていました。
正月のくだらないバラエティー番組は、NHKをはじめ、報道特番に代わり、テレビはいつもの大きな災害などが起きると情報が常時アップされる形式に代わりました。
2024年がどれだけ苦難に満ちた旅立ちになったか。
大津波警報が出てからしばらく津波の状況は分からず、私達のように東日本大震災ですごい津波の被害を知ってる人間からすれば、無事を願うしかない、さらに状況が分からない事への苦悩がにじみます。
そして、能登は「能登杜氏」と言われる日本三大杜氏の里。酒蔵も10蔵近くある地。私の後輩の蔵もあります。今回から数回にわたり、能登半島沖地震と酒蔵のお話しをしていきます。


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