Noto Peninsula Earthquake Damaged Cultural Properties for the Future Donations for the "Project to Pass on Noto's Cultural Properties and Memories" are now being accepted.

Atsushi Matsunaga, a specially-appointed assistant professor at Kanazawa University Museum and Archives (Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture), is conducting the "Noto Cultural Heritage and Memory Project" to pass on cultural properties damaged in the Noto Peninsula earthquake to the future. Funding for this project is now being sought through the "iDonate" website, a researcher support donation site. Applications will be accepted from Monday, December 22, 2025, and we are looking for long-term support to accompany the recovery.

URL: https://www.idonate-all.jp/project/view/11

National University Corporation Kanazawa University Archives: Earthquake Disaster Reconstruction Project by Dr. Atsushi Matsunaga

Protecting cultural properties in the disaster-stricken area of Noto!

Preservation of Cultural Properties

URL: https://www.idonate-all.jp/project/view/11

Background and outline of the "Project to preserve Noto's cultural properties and memories

This project is an effort to pass on the history and memories of the region to the next generation through rescue activities and digital archiving of cultural properties such as museum materials, folk tools, and archaeological materials damaged in the Noto Peninsula earthquake of 2024. The Noto Peninsula Earthquake of 2024 damaged historical materials in many museums, temples and shrines, and homes, putting the very culture of daily life at risk. In response to this situation, there is an urgent need for rescue activities for cultural properties and the preservation and disclosure of materials using digital technology.

Outline of the "Project to Preserve Noto's Cultural Properties and Memories"] Project Name: Noto's Cultural Properties and Memories Project

Project name: The Project to Preserve and Share Noto's Cultural Properties and Memories

Application period: Monday, December 22, 2025

Acceptance window: iDonate, a donation site for supporting researchers

　　　　　 https://www.idonate-all.jp/project/view/11

Returns: (1)Invitation to a 90-minute tour of Kanazawa University Museum with commentary

　　　　　 (2)Invitation to a special commentary tour (60 minutes) at the first semester exhibition in 2026

Others: Donations to this project are eligible for tax benefits (donation deduction). Donations to this project will also be eligible for a listing in Kanazawa University's donor register, a letter of appreciation, and other gifts in return.

■Returns: Special interpretive tours (dates, times, and details of special exhibitions will be announced as they become available)

(1)Invitation to a 90-minute tour of Kanazawa University Museum with commentary (donation amount of 10,000 yen or more)

Invitation to a limited 90-minute tour of the exhibition rooms of Kanazawa University Museum with special commentary. The tour will introduce the history and academic value of the university in depth through various materials related to Kanazawa University and its predecessor schools including the "Fourth Senior High School of the Old School System (Shiko)," such as equipment, drawings, specimens, photographs, documents, drawings, archaeology, arts and crafts, and historical materials related to the Kaga Clan. This is a rare opportunity to experience history.

Kanazawa University Archives

(2)Invitation to a 60-minute special interpretation tour at the first half of the 2026 exhibition (donations of 30,000 yen or more)

You will also be invited to a 60-minute special commentary tour on the first half of the 2026 exhibition on the theme of Noto. The tour will provide expert commentary on the historical background and research significance of the valuable cultural properties and academic materials collected by the university in the Noto region. This is an opportunity to learn about Noto's rich culture in depth.

This is a rare opportunity to have Dr. Matsunaga's commentary!

Activities of the "Project to Preserve Noto's Cultural Properties and Memories

Rescue of damaged cultural properties

Rescue of cultural properties from ordinary houses, temples and shrines, emergency measures, and organizing work.

Seven tools for cultural property rescue

Digital archiving of cultural properties

Digitalization of cultural properties conveys their value beyond time and space, and at the same time, serves as a starting point for restoration and reconstruction in the event of a disaster.

Survey and research of archaeological and museum materials

Communicate the value of diverse materials, such as medieval Suzu ware, haniwa clay figurines from the Kofun period, and wooden Buddhist statues from the Heian period.

■I would like to use my knowledge and skills to support the disaster-affected areas.

Comments from Atsutomo Matsunaga, Project Assistant Professor (Kanazawa University Museum)

Slow but steady progress is being made in the recovery and reconstruction of the disaster-stricken areas in Noto. However, for true reconstruction, it is essential not only to rebuild buildings and infrastructure, but also to convey the history and culture of the region and the memories of the people.

This project aims to serve as a bridge to that future. As a researcher at a university located in Ishikawa Prefecture and a native of the Hokuriku region, I hope to provide support activities that are not transitory but long-lasting.

Atsutomo Matsunaga, Project Assistant Professor

About iDonate

iDonate is a donation platform that directly connects researchers with individuals and communities who wish to support their research. Researchers can communicate the significance of their research and the "future they want to achieve" to the public, and then solicit donations from people who share their ideas.

Toward a new culture of fostering research together with local communities

The "Future of Science and Technology" program aims to strengthen the ties between universities, researchers, and local communities through donations in support of research, and to create a new value-creating system in which society as a whole nurtures Japanese science and technology.

For researchers, it is an excellent opportunity to communicate the appeal of their research and connect with society.

For donors, it will provide a new experience of "choosing the research you want to support and participating in building the future.

Company Profile

Corporation name: General Incorporated Association (non-profit) National Support Organization for Academic Information Analysis (iSess)

Head Office: Minato-ku, Tokyo

Business Purpose: To contribute to the promotion of science and technology, and to develop and accumulate analytical human resources and improve their knowledge

Establishment: December 2023

Business description: Provision of "place" to enhance research support and human resource development

HP ： https://isess-all.isess.or.jp/