January 1 marks one year since a massive earthquake struck the Noto Peninsula in central Japan. Still, the reconstruction of the affected areas is only halfway completed.

People say raising hopes by making steady progress toward reviving their livelihoods is a necessity.

The New Year's Day magnitude 7.6 quake measured up to 7 on the Japanese seismic intensity scale of zero to seven. It left 504 people dead in Ishikawa, Toyama and Niigata prefectures.

The figure includes 276 people who died from post-disaster causes. That number may rise after an official review of applications by bereaved relatives for the recognition of disaster-related deaths.

Fire officials say that as of December 24, more than 149,000 buildings in six prefectures were recognized as damaged by the quake.

Ishikawa Prefectural officials say around 40 percent of their publicly-funded demolition of buildings on behalf of the owners has been completed as of December 22.

Some areas in the prefecture's hard-hit Oku-Noto region were dealt a second blow by flooding from heavy rain in September. Many residents are voicing concerns about their future in light of the repeated natural disasters in their areas.

A memorial ceremony led by the prefecture is due to take place in Wajima City on Wednesday. Participants are expected to offer a silent prayer at 4:10 p.m., the exact time the quake hit one year ago.