Japan marks 10 years since earthquake and tsunami that led to Fukushima nuclear disaster

Event staff light candles forming characters that read "3.11 Yuriage" at Yuriage public hall, surrounded by newly constructed housing after the 2011 disaster in Natori, Miyagi prefecture on March 11, 2021, the 10th anniversary of the 9.0-magnitude earthquake which triggered a tsunami and nuclear disaster.

This photo from 10 years ago shows Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members searching for the victims of the tsunami in Miyako, Japan on March 14, 2011, three days after a massive earthquake and the ensuing tsunami hit the country's east coast.

People observe a minute's silence across the country at 2:46 p.m. local time , in front of the sea in Hisanohama, Fukushima prefecture on March 11, 2021, the exact time marking the 10th anniversary of the 9.0 magnitude earthquake which triggered a tsunami and nuclear disaster.

A high school student from Sendai, Miyagi prefecture, and a victim of a 2011 earthquake, pays tribute when the clock hit 2:46 p.m. to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the earthquake that devastated the northeastern Japan, in Tokyo, March 11, 2021.

Japan's Emperor Naruhito, right, and Empress Masako bow in front of the altar for victims of the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami at the national memorial service in Tokyo, March 11, 2021.

A local resident who lost his daughter pays a respect at a cemetery in Namie, Fukushima prefecture on March 11, 2021, the 10th anniversary of the 9.0 magnitude earthquake which triggered a tsunami and nuclear disaster.

A woman stands in front of the sea in Hisanohama, Fukushima prefecture on March 11, 2021, the 10th anniversary of the 9.0 magnitude earthquake which triggered a tsunami and nuclear disaster.

Buddhist monks pray for the victims of the 2011Tohoku earthquake and tsunami at a beach on March 11, 2021 in Iwaki, Japan.

A dancer performs to pray for victims of the 2011 massive earthquake and tsunami, on a beach in Iwaki, Fukushima prefecture, Japan, March 11, 2021.

A mourner touches a name plate of a victim in the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, at Kamaishi Memorial Park in Kamaishi, Iwate prefecture, Japan, March 11, 2021.

Members of the Tomioka town fire brigade conduct operations to search for clues on people missing since the 2011 disasters, on the shores near the Fukushima Daini Nuclear Power Plant in Tomioka, Fukushima prefectue on March 11, 2021, the 10th anniversary of the 9.0-magnitude earthquake which triggered a tsunami and nuclear disaster which killed over 18,000 people.

A woman pauses during a lantern ceremony to mark the 10th anniversary of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, on March 11, 2021 in Ishinomaki, Japan.