But in Tokyo and many other places around Japan, the day was being remembered without a main government ceremony due to the coronavirus outbreak. Japan has confirmed more than 1,200 cases of the coronavirus, including 696 from a cruise ship and 19 deaths. The quake and tsunami left more than 18,000 people dead and destroyed many houses and businesses. In disaster-hit towns in Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima, desks were put out for visitors to sign messages and lay flowers. “The time has still frozen at that moment when the quake hit, and I often think of the nuclear power problem," he said.

Source: ABC News March 11, 2020 06:07 UTC