Lighthouse lens carries memories for quake survivorsーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS

Noto Peninsula Earthquake [2024]

• A magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck Japan's Noto Peninsula on New Year's Day in 2024, causing over 700 deaths.
• Amidst the wreckage, a lighthouse lens has emerged as a symbol of resilience and a way to pass on memories of the disaster.

  "Among the disaster wreckage, one landmark has emerged as a sign of resilience, a lighthouse lens."

Rokosaki Lighthouse History [1883]

• The Rokosaki Lighthouse, built in 1883, is Japan's first western-style lighthouse and was guided by a Japanese engineer.
• The lighthouse was a significant landmark for the local community, used by farmers and fishermen.
• Its central feature was a 2.6-meter-tall Fresnel lens, specially made in France, which could transmit light 33 kilometers out to sea.

  "Built in 1883, Rokosaki Lighthouse is the first western-style lighthouse in Japan, constructed under the guidance of a Japanese engineer."

Earthquake Damage [2024]

• The powerful earthquake in 2024 shattered about one-third of the lighthouse lens.
• Due to the lens no longer being in production and irreparable, it was replaced with LED lights the previous year.

  "But when the powerful earthquake struck the region in 2024, about one-third of the lens shattered."

Community Connection [1961]

• Kawasaki Michio, a local resident whose great-grandfather was a lighthouse keeper, feels a strong attachment to the lens.
• Research revealed the lens's deep connection to the community, with footage from 1961 showing keepers polishing it daily.
• Lighthouse keepers meticulously cared for the lens each morning for the following night.

  "It is said that they spent an hour every morning doing this tour."

Preserving Memories [Present]

• The damaged lens is currently stored by the city.
• The city is exploring the possibility of showcasing the lens to preserve the memory of the earthquake.
• Residents hope the historic lens will allow them to reflect on their appreciation for their hometown after the devastation.

  "But people hope that through this historic lens, they can reflect anew on their appreciation for their hometown."