Memorial services took place Thursday to mark the passing of five months since the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, with survivors mourning the loss of their loved ones while gradually beginning to find comfort from signs of reconstruction.

More than 15,600 people have been confirmed dead and police continue to search for over 4,700 others who are still missing. Some 87,000 evacuees remain scattered throughout the country.

"I am reminded strongly once again today that we must work hard toward reconstruction," Prime Minister Naoto Kan said in the morning in response to a reporter's question at his office in Tokyo.