Initial Responses of Mosques in Ishikawa and Toyama After the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake, Japan

Abstract

The 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake significantly affected the Noto Peninsula, Japan, where foreign nationals, mainly foreign technical intern trainees, reside. They represent a minority in Japanese society in terms of language and religion, which may render them vulnerable to disasters. Muslim communities centered in mosques have supported such minorities in past natural hazard-related disasters. However, in Japan, these activities have rarely been investigated immediately after a disaster event. This study aims to provide a prompt report on the initial responses of three mosques (1. Kanazawa Mosque, 2. Al-Faruq Mosque, and 3. Toyama Mosque) in Ishikawa and Toyama Prefectures, which were significantly affected by the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake. To this end, we conducted interviews mainly with the (deputy) representatives of the target mosques until approximately two months after the earthquake. Consequently, all three mosques functioned as evacuation shelters for traveling or nearby affected Muslims in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake. In addition, both the Kanazawa Mosque and Al-Faruq Mosque provided relief supplies to foreign technical intern trainees (Indonesian Muslims) in the Noto Peninsula within approximately one week of the earthquake; they continued providing support thereafter. Al-Faruq Mosque also provided soup kitchens to Japanese individuals (non-Muslims) and the technical intern trainees. Such mosque functions and activities have been observed in past natural hazard-related disasters; thus, these findings are highly generalizable. These findings may be useful for the government and other stakeholders when considering how to support affected minorities in the future.