February 1, Thursday, 2024

1. People in Japan are marking one month since a magnitude 7.6 earthquake rocked communities along the Sea of Japan coast. 240 people were killed and 19 remain unaccounted for. Thousands more living in temporary shelters are looking at a long road toward recovery.
2. A Japanese seismic engineering expert says damage from liquefaction in the New Year’s Day earthquake was concentrated on sand dunes along the Sea of Japan coast, not just reclaimed land or former river courses.
3. Efforts are underway to help Ishikawa Prefecture’s lacquerware makers following the New Year’s Day earthquake. Lacquerware made in the city of Wajima is designated as an important intangible cultural asset with a history of over 600 years. Producing the craft items takes about 120 steps and involves many skilled artisans.