As Japan marked the fourth anniversary of the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami that devastated parts of the Tohoku region, relatives and friends of those killed in the disaster gathered to offer prayers for the victims.
Many people gathered early Wednesday to pray in front of a disaster monument bearing the names of 192 victims in Wakabayashi Ward in Sendai, which was one of the areas hardest hit by the massive tsunami.
"I came here to report to them (my deceased family members) that I am supporting myself now," said tsunami survivor Toshihiko Daigaku, 60, who lost his wife, his parents and two other relatives in the disaster.