Key Facts
• September 17, 2025: Restoration began at Tokikuni Residence garden in Wajima, Japan.
• 24 gardeners from across Japan gathered for initial preparations.
• Restoration led by Cultural Property Garden Preservation Technicians’ Association.
• 55 participants to work over 10 days, including veteran gardeners and cultural property experts.
• Garden buried under 1–1.5 meters of soil due to 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake and heavy rains.
• Wajima City removed surface soil carefully to avoid further damage.
• Participants used specialized tools to locate the original ground level.
• Gravel in parts of the garden was washed away, requiring material selection for restoration.
• Koji Takaya, a gardener from Awaji City, shared his experience of rebuilding after the 1995 Kobe earthquake.
• Association leader Seiichi Tokumura emphasized restoring the garden to its original state.
• Property owner Atsuko Tokikuni expressed gratitude for the support despite emotional challenges.
Summary
Restoration efforts have commenced at the Tokikuni Residence garden, a national cultural property in Wajima, Japan, which was severely damaged by the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake and heavy rains. The Cultural Property Garden Preservation Technicians’ Association is leading the project, combining restoration with training. Over 10 days, 55 participants, including experienced gardeners and cultural property experts, will carefully excavate and restore the garden, which was buried under 1–1.5 meters of soil. Specialized tools are being used to locate the original ground level, and materials for gravel replacement are under consideration. The initiative has drawn nationwide support, with participants like Koji Takaya, who has personal experience with disaster recovery. Association leader Seiichi Tokumura aims to restore the garden to its former state, while property owner Atsuko Tokikuni expressed her gratitude for the assistance despite the emotional toll of the damage.
