After receiving a letter of appreciation from Mayor Kazuyo Omori of Noto Town, everyone posed happily for a group photo. (From left: Si Dao Tan, Mayor Omori, Li-Shing Lin Shyu, Seiho Numata, and Yoshikatsu Shuuden) | Photo courtesy of Tzu Chi Foundation | Noto, Japan | 2024/07/26

Earthquake and Devastation

On January 1, 2024, a massive 7.6 magnitude earthquake shook the Noto Peninsula, triggering tsunamis and fires, with Ishikawa Prefecture being the hardest hit. By July 18, the disaster had claimed 299 lives, including 70 disaster-related deaths. Over 8,300 homes were destroyed, over 21,300 homes were partially damaged, and 85,000 homes were affected across the prefecture. The locals faced huge loss and hardship.

Warmth from Taiwan

Despite the challenges, Master Cheng Yen, founder of Tzu Chi, immediately expressed concern for the Tzu Chi volunteers and the disaster situation. With the Noto Peninsula surrounded by the sea and the only road access damaged, the Japanese government initially declined international aid to avoid disrupting rescue efforts. However, with the assistance of Wen-bi Chen, head of the Taiwan-Japan Exchange Association and a doctor at Nanao National Hospital, Tzu Chi’s assessment team was able to reach the affected area five days later, on January 5.

The following day, besides assessing the damage in Nanao City, the team, introduced by Dr. Chen to his friend, Dr. Shimanaka Koshi, superintendent of Anamizu General Hospital, also visited Anamizu Town for disaster assessment. In the frigid winter, they decided to start by providing hot meals to comfort the disaster survivors who had only basic food.

A Unique Space of Comfort

On February 16, with local women Kinuko Sakashita, Kyoko Ikeizaki, Toyoko Kaji, and Michiyo Nitta participating in the cash-for-work program, Tzu Chi launched the second phase of its hot meal distribution. They also opened a "Tzu Chi Tea House" at Anamizu General Hospital, where they served soothing tea, hot cocoa, and coffee.

The guestbook at the Tzu Chi Tea House allowed visitors to leave their thoughts and reflections. | Photo courtesy of Wen-Su Chen | Noto, Japan


Si Dao Tan from Tzu Chi Japan explained that the idea for the tea house came from volunteers who wanted to create a space where locals could sit, chat, and connect. They also provided a small booklet for visitors to share their thoughts and feelings.

Volunteers were initially worried that no one would write in the book, but they were pleasantly surprised by the heartfelt messages they received. One note thanked them for the coffee, tea, cocoa, and warm smiles. Dr. Shimanaka and others also expressed their gratitude for the loving support and encouragement, which deeply uplifted the volunteers.

LEFT: Nurses from the rehabilitation department at Anamizu General Hospital came to fetch coffee for their colleagues. They were delighted and surprised to find tea and hot cocoa available as well. They also helped spread the word, encouraging patients to visit the tea house.‌ ‌RIGHT: The Jing Si Oolong tea received great praise, with locals repeatedly refilling their cups. It provided comfort and warmth, making the volunteers very happy. | Photos courtesy of Wen-Szu Chen | Noto, Japan

The tea house quickly became a popular spot for medical staff, patients, disaster survivors, and locals to relax and connect. The comforting aroma of tea and coffee added to the cozy atmosphere, and volunteers were pleased with the warm reception.  

Volunteers found that the tea house was also a great place to recruit new members. They took the opportunity to introduce visitors to Tzu Chi and invite them to join the volunteer team, helping to expand their service efforts even further.

"I’m here to say goodbye because I’m moving into temporary housing tomorrow!" A local resident, who was staying in the hospital’s temporary shelter, came by to bid farewell to the volunteers before leaving. Despite the inevitable sadness of parting, the experience was filled with warm and heartfelt connections.

Building Bonds and Providing Healing

With the four rounds of relief fund distributions ending from May to July, the Tzu Chi Tea House’s mission ended on July 25. Even on the final day, many came to say goodbye, expressing hopes to reunite and believing that the connections made would last.

With the Tzu Chi Tea House at Anamizu General Hospital successfully completing its mission, Dr. Shimanaka and his medical team expressed their gratitude to the volunteers. | Photo courtesy of Tzu Chi Foundation | Noto, Japan | 2024/07/26

On the 26, when Tzu Chi Japan CEO Li-Hsiang Hsu, along with volunteers Nuada Qingbao and Si Dao Tan, visited the Anamizu General Hospital, they found Dr. Shimanaka and his medical staff gathered in the main lobby to express their gratitude.

LEFT: Dr. Shimanaka's message: "Thank you all for continuously providing us with heartwarming hot meals, which have helped us feel more energized."| Photo courtesy of Angeline Fransisca ‌ ‌RIGHT: "Thank you, Tzu Chi." The medical staff at Anamizu General Hospital presented the volunteers with fans inscribed with heartfelt words of gratitude. | Photo courtesy of Li-Hsiang Hsu

They presented flowers, thank-you cards, and a "Thank You Tzu Chi" fan to express their gratitude to all Tzu Chi volunteers. Dr. Shimanaka conveyed the community’s appreciation, saying, "We are deeply grateful to Tzu Chi for providing hot meals during our most challenging times. The Tzu Chi Tea House’s soothing tea, hot cocoa, and coffee have been a tremendous comfort to us."

LEFT ： The paper was adorned with handwritten messages of thanks to Tzu Chi and the volunteers, and each one included a handmade flower. | Photo courtesy of Li-Hsiang Hsu‌ ‌RIGHT： The medical staff at Anamizu General Hospital presented flowers and a letter of appreciation to Tzu Chi Japan CEO Li-Hsiang Hsu and Administrative Director Si Dao Tan.| Photo courtesy of Tzu Chi Foundation

"Thank you very much!" The voices of thanks from the medical staff and residents echoed through the hospital lobby. Ms. Waki Moto, deeply moved, said, "We are truly and deeply grateful. Words can't express how thankful we are; it feels even bigger than the earthquake itself. I received something very precious—thank you and goodbye!"

A Fond Farewell and Future Connections

On the afternoon of the same day, Li-Shing Lin Shyu, Seiho Numata, and Si Dao Tan visited the Noto Town Office to distribute remaining aid to those unable to come earlier. The locals expressed their gratitude and apologies for any inconvenience caused.

The team visited Mayor Oomori and were met with a heartfelt reception, where the mayor expressed his thanks for Tzu Chi’s help and support. Li-Shing Lin Shyu extended an invitation for the mayor to visit Hualien and experience Tzu Chi’s community firsthand.

Mayor Kazuyo Omori of Noto Town awarded a letter of appreciation, received on behalf of Tzu Chi by CEO Li-Shing Lin Shyu, with both parties exchanging respectful bows. | Photo courtesy of Si Dao Tan| Noto Japan | 2024/07/26

The ceremony concluded with a simple but sincere exchange of thanks and a commemorative photo. Though their acquaintance was brief, the people of Noto embraced Tzu Chi as old friends. The heartfelt interactions and the similarities between Noto’s scenic beauty and Hualien left a lasting impression on the volunteers. They look forward to future reunions and cherish the bonds formed with the resilient and warm-hearted residents of Noto.