An earthquake at the beginning of 2024 caused extensive damage in many parts of Japan, particularly the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture. Of greater concern, over half of the people living in the hardest-hit areas are over 65 years old. Masaaki Ishida, 88, is one of them. After the earthquake, he was separated from his Mazda CX-5.
Masaaki Ishida, owner of the CX-5, looking at the wreckage. He is hoping for good news. Photo: Creative Trend
Mazda CX-5 trapped in the rubble
For Mr. Ishida, the Mazda CX-5 is considered a “family member”. According to Best Car Web, the online version of Japan’s largest car magazine (in terms of circulation), since retiring after a long career as a taxi driver, Mr. Ishida has been attached to his Mazda CX-5.
But the earthquake buried his car in the rubble. Witnessing the heartbreaking scene, though still hopeful, Mr. Ishida also understands that it will be difficult to reunite with his car.
“It’s just a car, but it will live on,” Mr. Ishida hopes. Photo: Creative Trend
Now that the human rescue effort has been temporarily completed, the Japanese rescue forces have begun to clean up and help affected residents like Mr. Ishida recover their belongings if possible. The white Mazda CX-5 was found buried under the rubble when the house collapsed. With the front of the car exposed, it can be seen that the car suffered significant damage, with a dented hood and broken window. The damaged hood likely affected the engine as well.
Seeing the heavily damaged front bumper and windshield, Mr. Ishida turned away and said sadly, “It’s impossible”. It seems he doesn’t want to accept the reality. Photo: Creative Trend
The Mazda CX-5 becomes more visible as the crane removes the heavy debris. The rescue forces are still trying to start the car. Photo: Creative Trend
Miracle
Despite the slim hope, the rescue forces tried to start the car.
Surprisingly, the Mazda CX-5 not only started but also rolled out of the rubble. The suspension system seems to be in decent condition. The windshield and hood may be deformed, but the doors can still open and close, showing how resilient the car is.
Mr. Ishida is overjoyed to be able to reunite with his car.
Miraculously, the car “is still alive”. Even Mr. Ishida, who had given up, exclaimed, “It can start?” Photo: Creative Trend
The Mazda CX-5 even rolled out of the rubble. Photo: Creative Trend
Mr. Ishida happily looks at his “friend”. Photo: Creative Trend
After the Mazda CX-5 reached a safe place, Mr. Ishida approached the car. The first words he said as he got closer were almost like a cry of joy: “He’s still alive”. Photo: Creative Trend
He opens the door, gets inside, and starts the car. The happiness on Mr. Ishida’s face is evident. Photo: Creative Trend
Considering the condition of the car, the Mazda CX-5 needs to be repaired and may even be unfit to continue using. But for a car that survived a strong earthquake, a miracle can happen for the second time.
