On March 11, 2011, an earthquake and tsunami devastated parts of northeastern Japan.
On March 11, 2011, an earthquake and tsunami devastated parts of northeastern Japan.
A total of 15,881 people were confirmed dead, but the death toll is likely much higher: 2,668 people went missing.
Two years on, rebuilding work has begun in some measure, but few people have been able to rebuild their lives fully. About 310,000 people still lack a permanent home, many living in temporary accommodation, some with considerable discomfort and privation.
In the ongoing hardship, many survivors are struggling to keep their eyes fixed on the horizon. Many will mourn the loss of relatives and friends for the rest of their lives.
Photographers from The Asahi Shimbun recently visited disaster zone to see how things have changed--or not--in the intervening period. This is a selection of then-and-now images.