Matsuda Tetsuro runs a 100-head cattle farm in Suzu City, including more than 40 dairy cows.
The quake severely damaged one of his barns, rendering it unusable. Yet he's still more fortunate than a neighboring farmer, who lost 30 cattle when his barn collapsed.
Although Matsuda has other barns, he faces another daunting problem. The quake disrupted his water supply.
Matsuda says a dairy cow drinks roughly 100 liters of water daily. He tried to get by using well water, but the supply fell short. He says he has no choice but to sell his dairy cows.
The situation has left Matsuda disconsolate. He says, "It's very sad let the cows go. I don't know who to blame for my hardships. But I want people to know the situation farmers are now going through. We're really in need of aid."
Suzu City business owners losing motivation to rebuild
Yachi Minoru and his wife, Miyuki, run a sushi restaurant in Suzu City. It's located on a popular main street in the Shoinmachi area with many other shops. Miyuki says almost all of them were destroyed.
When the New Year's Day quake hit, Suzu City residents were still in recovery mode from a strong temblor that struck last May and caused buildings to collapse in Shoinmachi.
Yachi had just completed quake-resistance work at his restaurant late last year, which likely contributed to its survival. But the quake still destroyed the shop's refrigerator and broke much of its crockery.
The Yachis want to reopen their business, but say many shop owners in the area think doing the same will be difficult.
Minoru says, "Everyone is heartbroken now, and we hear many people saying they'll go out of business. We're considering whether to reopen our business while keeping in mind what our neighbors decide."
Fishermen also losing hope
There were about 20 boats in Suzu City's Iida Port, but most of them capsized in the tsunami.
Fisherman Hamano Hiroshi lost his two boats and his house sustained damage.
Hamano says, "I visit the port daily and every time I see my boats I almost cry."
He says many of his fellow fishermen are considering going out of business.
He says, "I'd say 80 percent of them have given up, as their houses were also destroyed. I also think about it. The disaster took everything from us."
Izakaya owner provides a place for hope
Against this backdrop, an izakaya dining bar reopened on Saturday. Locals gathered at the shop, which has been in business for 48 years.
There's still no running water, so owner Asai Makoto makes do with disposable dishes.
Asai says, "I want people to forget about their problems ― such as life at the evacuation center ― while they're at my place. I want them just to enjoy drinking. That's good for us, too. If we don't hear customers' laughter, we'll feel down."
Tadagawa Makoto is a regular at the izakaya. His house was damaged by the tsunami and now he's staying with a relative.
Tadagawa says, "I feel relieved and relaxed here. Instead of worrying about my situation, I try to think that when tomorrow comes, there will be things I can do. I should enjoy the moment while I'm here."
The Yachis also visited the izakaya. They say they felt motivated when they saw Asai reopen it.
Miyuki says, "I thought that if we have the will, there would also be a way for us."
Minoru adds, "The reopening of the izakaya makes me think that maybe we can partially restart our business sometime soon, such as serving lunch."
Asai says, "I want to give hope. People are moving to better equipped evacuation facilities outside of Suzu and many have yet to decide whether to return. I hope to encourage them to come back, if only a little, by letting them know that at least restaurants are open as usual."
Wajima mayor: long-term support needed
Wajima City was also hit hard by the quake. Mayor Sakaguchi Shigeru shared his thoughts on NHK's Sunday Debate program.
Sakaguchi says, "I'd like to ask people across the country to understand that it takes a lot of time to rebuild lives and livelihoods. Medium- and long-term assistance is needed for labor, materials, equipment and funds. I'd like to ask people to offer support without being bound by precedents.
