Japan's Prime Minister Kishida Fumio says the government will spend an additional 100 billion yen, or 660 million dollars, to accelerate reconstruction in the quake-hit Noto region.

Kishida visited evacuation centers in Anamizu Town and Wajima City on Saturday, and spoke with business people supporting the local economy, including craftspeople who make Wajima-nuri lacquerware.

Kishida told reporters later that he plans to decide the additional spending as early as next week, based on this fiscal year's reserve fund.

Part of the additional spending is intended to provide people of the working generation with subsidies of up to 3 million yen, roughly 20,000 dollars, for rebuilding their homes.

The assistance was initially planned for distribution to elderly people whose homes were destroyed or severely damaged.

Kishida said the money will also be spent to rebuild facilities and secure tools for the making of traditional lacquerware. He said the government will fully fund the construction of a temporary workshop, to open in April.

Kishida said he hopes to lead efforts to rebuild people's lives and livelihoods, and revive the region.