After the March 11 earthquake and tsunami destroyed everything from houses to street lights, the town of Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, has been so dark and quiet at night it's unnerving.
But the light coming from a convenience store that reopened in late July has become a symbol of hope for the community.
"Unless people start reopening their businesses, the town will never take the first steps toward reconstruction," said Taiko Tanisawa, the 63-year-old owner of the reopened Marutani store, as she warmly greeted customers.