Reconstruction of Shinbashi Ryokan

My mom (Keiko) and I (Nicole) are setting up this page to help Kunai Kazuya and his wife in Wajima, Japan. My mom went to Japan in November and stayed at their ryokan while traveling. She ended up becoming good friends with them. After reaching out to check in on them, she found out they were hit by the 7.6 magnitude Noto Peninsula Earthquake and are struggling to recover and rebuild. They are accepting donations via wire transfer only--my mom and I will wire transfer 100% of the funds raised here to Kunai as soon as possible. You can read their story on their website here and also below:

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"The Shinbashi Ryokan was severely damaged by the Noto Peninsula earthquake on New Year's Day. We were so broken-hearted by the situation that we almost gave up hope of continuing to operate the ryokan. However, we were very grateful and encouraged by the many calls of encouragement we received from people all over Japan and the world. We strongly hope that you will come to Wajima and stay at Shinbashi Ryokan once again.

We have decided to ask for your support for the reconstruction of Shinbashi Ryokan. We would like to return the favor by inviting you to stay at the rebuilt Shinbashi Ryokan. We would be very grateful if you could help us with a donation.

We have decided to ask for your support for the reconstruction of Shinbashi Ryokan. We would like to return the favor by inviting you to stay at the rebuilt Shinbashi Ryokan. We would be very grateful if you could help us with a donation.

Ryokan that communicates the charm of Wajima to the world

Noto Wajima Shinbashi Ryokan is a small ryokan not far from the Asaichi-dori Street.

Visitors are welcomed in a warm space of Japanese paper (washi) and works of art. In the rooms, the hallways, the entrance, and various other spaces in the ryokan, artworks and objects by young Noto artists are displayed, allowing guests to experience the lively creativity of Noto's artists while staying at the ryokan.

The ryokan continues to be loved by many. From inbound travelers from around the world, to students visiting Wajima for training camps and expeditions, to tourists traveling the Noto Peninsula, to those who enjoy special trips that mark their memories. Wajima is a place where we offer hospitality to visitors and where we are empowered by their interaction with us.

We rescued artworks from the ryokan that was completely destroyed

On January 1, an earthquake measuring 7 on the Japanese scale struck Wajima City, causing extensive damage to Shinbashi Ryokan. Although the ryokan was spared any human casualties, the walls of the lobby, corridors, guest rooms, dining room, and bathrooms all collapsed, and objects were scattered about. The hallway was so distorted that it was impossible to walk, and the second floor was so damaged that the ceiling collapsed and the sky was visible, forcing the building to be demolished.

The huge earthquake, the tsunami warning, and the fire on Asaichi-dori Street were all a deep, heavy, and haunting reality, and we could do nothing but evacuate without being able to sort them out.

As the days and weeks have passed, we have gradually come to grips with the situation at the ryokan as we sort out our minds. This year was to be the year we took an even bigger step forward as an art ryokan. Plans were to come to fruition, including renovation and expansion of art exhibits.

We have been searching for important artworks from inside the ryokan, which was deemed dangerous by the emergency safety evaluation, and evacuating them to Kanazawa. We believe that these works will overcome the disaster and will welcome our guests once again.

Request for Support

Donations for Reconstruction Assistance

Shinbashi Ryokan is accepting donations to help us rebuild the ryokan and welcome our guests back again.

We accept donations by bank transfer. In addition, we would like to inform our donors of our reconstruction efforts, so please contact us using the form below either before or after you make your bank transfer.

[visit their website for account info]

Note:

- Due to restoration work, there may be a delay in thanking you for your support.

- Please note that your support is not deductible as a tax-deductible donation.

Contact:

Noto-Wajima Shinbashi Ryokan

8-4-5 Shinbashidori, Wajima, Ishikawa [phone redacted] Japan

TEL: +81 768 22 0236"

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We will share their reconstruction updates here with you all. Thank you so much for your support <3

Love, Keiko + Nicole