Shoppers have flocked to a makeshift market in the disaster-hit city of Wajima, central Japan in preparation for New Year's Day.

Vendors from the Wajima Morning Market restarted their businesses at various locations after the market was devastated by an earthquake and massive fire on January 1, 2024.

They opened the temporary market at a commercial facility in Wajima in July.

On New Year's Eve, about 40 vendors dealing in rice cakes or mochi, dried seafood, and plants to be used for New Year's decorations opened for year-end shopping.

One woman who visited the market with her grandchildren said that she had made mochi at home every year until the quake struck, but she had bought mochi for the first time at the market this year. She said that she was glad to see the market crowded with shoppers.

A woman who ran a shop selling marine products at the morning market for more than 30 years said it had been a tough year, but she was happy to operate her business on New Year's Eve and see local customers.

Some of the shops at the market will open starting January 2.