Photo/Illutration Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba offers words of tribute at the memorial ceremony to commemorate the victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake and pray for revitalization in Fukushima on March 11. (Pool)

People across Japan bowed their heads and prayed on March 11 for the victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami that devastated northeastern Japan 14 years ago.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba observed a moment of silence at 2:46 p.m.―the exact time the magnitude-9.0 earthquake struck off the coast―during a memorial ceremony in Fukushima.

The event to commemorate the victims and pray for revitalization was hosted by the prefecture.

The earthquake and tsunami triggered a triple meltdown at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, forcing many to flee their homes.

“Many people are still forced to live as evacuees,” Ishiba said in his speech. “I extend my deepest condolences to those who cannot return to their hometowns and to all those affected by the disaster.”

The prime minister also addressed the government’s decision on March 7 to lift evacuation orders in parts of the so-called "difficult-to-return zones" in Iitate and Katsurao villages, where access has been restricted due to high radiation levels.

“Reconstruction is steadily progressing,” he said.

Ishiba stressed the need for mid- to long-term efforts: “We will work to ensure the safe and steady decommissioning of the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant and improve living conditions for those returning home.”

In the aftermath of the disaster, many evacuation centers struggled with severe supply shortages and overcrowding amid worsening conditions, leading to outbreaks of influenza.

The disaster left more than 22,000 people dead or missing, including those who later died from disaster-related causes.

Ishiba also mentioned his proposal to establish a disaster prevention agency.

“We must apply the lessons of the Great East Japan Earthquake to disaster response and efforts to improve the living conditions in evacuation centers,” he said. “I will work to create this new agency and make Japan the world’s leading disaster-resilient nation.”

In Ishinomaki, Miyagi Prefecture, a memorial ceremony was held in front of the sign reading “Ganbaro Ishinomaki” (Stay strong, Ishinomaki) at Ishinomaki Minamihama Tsunami Memorial Park.

“We will make steady progress in emotional recovery, rebuilding communities, revitalizing the region and restoring the economy,” said Ishinomaki Mayor Masami Saito.

Yoko Suzuki, former principal of the tsunami-damaged Kadonowaki Elementary School―now preserved as a disaster memorial site―reflected on her experience.

“Sharing what happened here helps us prepare for the future,” she said.

“We must continue passing down these stories―it’s something we, the survivors, must do,” Suzuki said. “Let’s keep telling these stories.”

At 2:46 p.m., a siren sounded and people bowed their heads in silent prayer.

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