by Two short animated films created as part of the Noto Peninsula Reconstruction Support Project have been officially released on YouTube. The project features voice performances by Reina Ueda, Marika Takano, and Mamiko Noto, and was produced with the goal of supporting recovery efforts following the devastating Noto Peninsula earthquake.
All proceeds generated from the YouTube releases will be donated to reconstruction efforts in the Noto Peninsula, making this project both a creative work and a direct contribution to disaster recovery.
Background: Remembering the Noto Peninsula Earthquake
The Noto Peninsula earthquake, which struck on January 1, 2024, caused extensive damage across Ishikawa Prefecture, leaving many communities facing long-term recovery challenges. While emergency relief efforts moved quickly, full reconstruction has remained a slow and ongoing process.
In response, animation company Infinite launched the Noto Peninsula Reconstruction Support Project to use animation as a means of emotional support, cultural preservation, and financial assistance. The project reflects the belief that storytelling can help keep memories alive while encouraging hope for the future.
Two Films, One Message of Recovery
The project consists of two connected animated works:
- “Wajima Arc”
- “Nanao Arc”
Together, the films depict people moving forward with hope while living amid the lingering scars of the disaster. Rather than focusing on destruction itself, the stories highlight everyday emotions, quiet resilience, and human connection.
“Wajima Arc”
This story centers on Yuki Wakura, a young woman who was forced to leave her hometown of Wajima after the earthquake. When she finally returns, she reconnects with her roots and reflects on what it means to rebuild not just buildings, but personal bonds and memories.
“Nanao Arc”
The second film shifts the setting to Nanao, where Yuki now lives. Her friend Tsumugi Kashima visits from Wajima, and the two share a moment of reunion amid local scenery and community life. The episode emphasizes continuity, friendship, and the quiet strength found in shared experiences.
Together, the two arcs offer a gentle yet powerful portrayal of post-disaster life, making the story approachable even for viewers unfamiliar with anime.
Creative Staff and Artistic Direction
The animation is directed by Kyohei Yamamoto, who also served as storyboard artist and character designer. His understated visual style allows the landscapes and characters to convey emotion naturally, without excessive dramatization.
Original character concepts were created by Fly, while the screenplay was written by Toru Fujimoto. Animation production was handled jointly by ROLL2 and EVOLROAR, ensuring a polished and cohesive final product.
The insert song, “Peridot” by nano.RIPE, adds emotional warmth and reinforces the theme of hope and renewal.
Voice Cast
The main characters are brought to life by a respected cast of voice actors:
- Yuki Wakura: Reina Ueda
- Tsumugi Kashima: Marika Takano
- Yoko Wakura: Mamiko Noto
Their performances focus on subtle emotion rather than spectacle, making the characters feel grounded and relatable.
Donation Plan and Transparency
Infinite has confirmed that all proceeds from the YouTube videos will be donated to Noto Peninsula reconstruction efforts, with donations planned for June and December. Detailed donation reports will be published on Infinite’s official website and official X (formerly Twitter) account, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Viewers are encouraged to support the project simply by watching and sharing the videos, making participation easy for anyone around the world.
Message from Producer Takayuki Nagatani
Project planner and producer Takayuki Nagatani shared the following message:
“We would like to express our deepest condolences to everyone affected by the Noto Peninsula earthquake on January 1, 2024. The scenery of Ishikawa Prefecture that we once depicted in Hanasaku Iroha, Infinite’s first animated work, will never fade from our memories. However, that scenery has changed dramatically due to the earthquake, and recovery is still in its early stages.”
He emphasized that the project was created with the support and feedback of local residents, and that Infinite intends to continue supporting reconstruction efforts moving forward.
“All proceeds from the videos posted on YouTube will be donated to reconstruction efforts. We sincerely hope many people will watch. We pray for a speedy recovery and the return of peaceful daily life to everyone in the region.”
Staff Credits (Selected)
- Director / Storyboard / Character Design: Kyohei Yamamoto
- Original Character Concept: Fly
- Screenplay: Toru Fujimoto
- Color Design: Yurie Matsuura
- Art Director: Creep
- Director of Photography: Takashi Yanagida
- Editor: Akari Saito (Mishima Editing Office)
- Sound Director: Fumihiko Odera
- Sound Effects: Masami Baba
- Music: nano.RIPE
- Producer: Takayuki Nagatani (Infinite)
- Animation Producer: Kazuaki Oji
- Animation Production: ROLL2 × EVOLROAR
Why This Project Matters
For beginners and longtime anime fans alike, this project stands out because:
- It is free and easy to watch on YouTube
- It directly supports real-world disaster recovery
- The story is simple, emotional, and universally relatable
- It preserves the memory and culture of the Noto Peninsula through animation
Rather than focusing on spectacle, the project uses quiet storytelling to remind viewers that recovery begins with people and shared experiences.
Final Thoughts
With the release of Wajima Arc and Nanao Arc, the Noto Peninsula Reconstruction Support Project demonstrates how animation can go beyond entertainment to become a force for healing and social contribution. By watching and sharing these films, viewers can take part in supporting the ongoing recovery of the Noto Peninsula—one view at a time.
