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In the wake of the 7.6 magnitude earthquake that struck Japan’s Noto Peninsula on January 1, 2024, reconstruction efforts are in full swing. Specialized workers are in high demand to preserve and repair damaged temples and shrines. While these teams possess the necessary skills and materials, the costs have proven to be a significant obstacle.
Recognizing this need, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has stepped forward to provide crucial support.
The Church had already been active in relief efforts, providing donations of food, water, supplies, manpower, and funding to Japan immediately following the earthquake. Local Church members and full-time missionaries quickly mobilized to aid their communities with essential supplies.
Weeks after the disaster, members of the Asia North Area presidency visited the affected region to assess how the Church could best contribute. Additional support was provided to the Japanese Red Cross Society, assisting nearly 300 doctors and nurses providing medical care across the impacted areas.
As residents grappled with the costs of clean-up efforts, the Church donated funds to various cities, enabling them to begin restoration work. Financial support was extended to two Shinto shrines, Mishima Kintohira Shrine and Nishinomiya Shrine, as well as four Buddhist temples in the affected region.
The Church’s assistance has been instrumental in preserving historically significant artifacts and documents from these sacred sites. For instance, at the Mishima Kintohira Shrine, which was rendered structurally unsafe by the earthquake, the Church’s financial aid helped cover demolition costs, paving the way for future rebuilding.
In addition to financial support, the Church has organized volunteer efforts. On June 15, two local stakes participated in a large-scale Helping Hands activity at Jodo Sosainenji Temple, clearing rubble and carefully removing historical artifacts to prevent further damage.
These collaborative efforts have fostered a spirit of unity among diverse groups. On June 29, volunteers from various backgrounds, including Jodo Buddhists from Tokyo, worked together in a friendly atmosphere, demonstrating the power of interfaith cooperation in times of crisis.
While significant progress has been made, many shrines and temples still require additional work. The Church, along with other organizations and contractors, continues to support the ongoing efforts to repair and reopen these historical and sacred locations to the public.
This story of rebuilding and cooperation serves as a testament to the resilience of communities and the importance of interfaith support in the face of natural disasters.
