Japan’s Noto Peninsula recently experienced a devastating earthquake on New Year’s Day. This natural disaster caused widespread destruction of wooden buildings across the region. However, amidst the rubble and wreckage, one small fishing village emerged as a symbol of resilience. Akasaki, located on the western coast of the Noto Peninsula, stood strong against the magnitude 7.5 earthquake. This article explores the remarkable fortitude of this village, examining the unique architectural features that contributed to its survival.
Akasaki’s survival can be attributed to the smart architecture that defines its buildings. Masaki Sato, owner of an 85-year-old guest house, rushed to the village after the earthquake to find his property relatively unscathed. He credits the narrow lot of land and the presence of many small rooms with numerous columns for the building’s strength.
To withstand the harsh elements of this coastal area, houses in Akasaki have minimal glass windows. Instead, their exterior walls are constructed with sturdy wooden slats, layered horizontally. The interiors are supported by thick crisscrossing beams on the ceiling. This combination of design elements ensures structural integrity, enabling the houses to withstand the strong winds and heavy rain that often batter the area.
Despite being situated near the sea, the houses in Akasaki managed to evade the destructive tsunami waves triggered by the earthquake. Thanks to their elevated location and the presence of concrete tetrapods serving as protective barriers, the village remained unscathed. The houses are strategically built on slightly uphill land, allowing them to escape the reach of the powerful waves.
Sato’s guest house, although damaged by the earthquake, was untouched by the tsunami. Ceramic dishes shattered, appliances toppled, and a recently installed wooden sliding door broke, scattering debris across the floor. However, the village’s survival amid such devastation left Sato feeling encouraged and grateful for the design of the houses.
The architectural design in Akasaki reflects the village’s deep-rooted traditions. Resident Seiya Shinagawa, a retired fisherman, explains that the layout of the houses is a remnant of the days when fishermen launched their boats directly from their sheds into the sea. These sheds served as windshields, protecting the main houses situated behind them.
In the 1920s, the fishermen of Akasaki shifted their focus to deep-sea fishing, leaving their village for extended periods. However, a fire in the late 1930s decimated a significant portion of the village. This tragedy prompted the community to rebuild their houses with a unified and stronger design, reflecting their determination to overcome adversity.
Despite Akasaki’s resilience against natural disasters, the village faces another pressing issue: a rapidly aging population. The majority of residents in Akasaki are over 65 years old, with many living alone. Akiyo Wakasa, a 74-year-old resident, highlights the financial burden of house repairs as a significant challenge. The absence of a younger generation to inherit these properties further complicates the decision to invest in renovations and continue living in the village.
For Sato, witnessing the slow decline of Akasaki is unbearable. The village may not have received official recognition as a cultural asset, but its value lies in its simple, old-fashioned lifestyle and unique architectural design. Sato has taken matters into his own hands by purchasing five houses and sheds in the village. His vision is to transform these properties into cafes and restaurants, preserving the village’s scenic appearance while offering a new lease of life to this remarkable place.
The story of Akasaki serves as a testament to the power of smart architecture in the face of natural disasters. While Japan continues to grapple with a rapidly aging population, it is essential to recognize and preserve the charm of places like Akasaki. By celebrating the design and resilience of these communities, we can ensure their legacy lives on for generations to come.
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