City Hit by Noto Peninsula Earthquake Holds Ceremony Celebrating 20-year-olds 1 Year Later; Mayor Applauds Young Participants

The Yomiuri Shimbun

15:18 JST, January 11, 2025

A ceremony to celebrate those turning 20 years old took place in Suzu, Ishikawa Prefecture, on Saturday. Last year’s ceremony was not held due to the massive damage caused by the Noto Peninsula earthquake on Jan. 1, 2024.

The event, now called “Hatachi no Tsudoi,” or a “gathering of 20-year-olds,” celebrates the former age in which a child legally became an adult. The event took place a year after it was supposed to be held. At the ceremony, participants ages 20 to 21 dressed in kimono and rejoiced at reuniting with old friends and renewed their determination to contribute to the recovery.

At the beginning of the ceremony held at a multipurpose hall in the city, participants observed a minute of silence for those who died in the earthquake and the record-breaking torrential rains in September last year.

“Still in a very difficult situation, young people like all of you are the hope of Suzu,” said Suzu Mayor Masuhiro Izumiya in a speech. “I support you with all my heart.”

A 21-year-old male member of the Self-Defense Forces who participated said: “I was relieved to see my friends again after such a long time. I hope that my hometown, which I love so much, will be restored as soon as possible.”