Today's Close-Up S2024E07 - What's Holding up Reconstruction in Noto?: Quake Victims Tell of Financial Struggle

More than three months after the powerful New Year's Day earthquake that struck Japan's Noto Peninsula and surrounding region, many of the survivors who lost their homes and businesses are struggling to put their lives back together. We spent time with some of the vendors who used to ply their trade on the famous Wajima morning market street. Some described being unable to meet the onerous criteria for home repairs payments. Others said they can't afford the hefty up-front payments required to get business support subsidies. Despite these formidable barriers, the vendors have found a way to work together to help each other through a trying time. We asked an expert what needs to change so that desperately-needed financial help can get to the people who need it most. 

Guest: 
Okamoto Tadashi (Attorney at Law)