Japan's New Year was unfortunately rocked by the Noto Peninsula earthquake, which resulted in loss of life, personal artefacts, and means of transportation.

Disruptions in transport is an issue that weighs heavy for the residents of Noto Peninsula, given that more than half of them in the hardest-hit parts of the prefecture are over the age of 65. Masaaki Ishida, 88, is one of them.

It's comes to little surprise then that he's grown attached to his Mazda CX-5, who he regards as "family and companion" owing to how much time he's spent with it. Best Car Web reports that he's had it ever since he left his job as a taxi driver.

Things took a forced turn towards seperation when the earthquake buried his beloved SUV beneath rubble, and having resigned to his fate, it was assumed that was that between Ishida and his Mazda.

It was only until recently that operations to clean up the area continued (people were rescued beforehand) that the CX-5 was discovered. It doesn't look good – buried under piles of rubble, with the roof and all caved in, it's almost certainly a goner...

Also read: Priced from RM 145k, 2024 Mazda CX-5 facelift launched in Malaysia; updated suspension, better seats, more standard features

...that's until it started right up! Not only that, it moves out of the mess with its own power too!

Ishida-san is obviously overjoyed to have his car back, though it might not be for long – the body damage doesn't look like it'll take well to repairs, but a man can dream.

Watch the heartwarming exchange below: