Locat
ed near the centre of Ishikawa Prefecture, Nonoichi is the smallest city in the area with just 13.56 square kilometres of land. Yet it is well populated and dotted with numerous shopping malls, medical centres and public facilities, making it one of the most convenient cities to live in Japan. In fact, Nonoichi ranked No.1 in the National Livability Ranking by Toyo Keizai for two years in a row since 2020.
Nonoichi has rich history and culture. There are ancient village ruins from the Jōmon Period (10,000 BC-300 BC) named the Okyōzuka Ruins, now a designated National Historic Site. Also found in Nonoichi are some of the oldest townhouse-style architecture from the Edo Period (1603-1867), notably the Kita Family House that belonged to the brewers of Japanese sake Shōjō. This sake, once dubbed the “illusionary sake” for its rarity, was no longer produced for a long time until, in 2021, local breweries were able to reproduce it based on yeast remains in the house. Fragrant and refreshing, Shōjō is once again offering the delightful taste of “made in Nonoichi”.
Another highlight of Nonoichi is the Jonkara Festival, where townspeople dance to the tune of Jonkara Bushi, a traditional folksong that has been sung from generation to generation. Other traditional events, such as Mushi Okuri and Shishimai, offer a variety of unique cultural experiences throughout the year.
Nonoichi also has a strong cultural connection with its sister city in New Zealand, Gisborne, such as that they are both renowned for producing delicious kiwifruits. Ever since the establishment of sister city relationship in 1990, the two cities have enjoyed a longstanding friendship, as well as frequent delegation visits and student exchanges. Having reached the 30th milestone, Nonoichi looks forward to continue deepening its ties with Gisborne.
