TOKYO: Japan paused Saturday to mark six years since a deadly earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster devastated its northeastern coast, as more than 100,000 people remain unable or unwilling to return home.
The magnitude 9.0 quake, which struck under the Pacific Ocean on March 11, 2011, and the tsunami it spawned left about 18,500 people dead or missing.
The massive flow of water overwhelmed cooling systems at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant, causing meltdowns in three of its six reactors in what was the worst nuclear disaster since Chernobyl in 1986.
The quake and tsunami caused widespread damage to homes while radiation spread over a wide area, with more than 450,000 people evacuating in the immediate aftermath.
More than 123,000 remain displaced, the majority from Fukushima due to high radiation.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and other participants at a national ceremony in Tokyo bowed their heads in silent prayer, as did many residents across the affected region, at 2:46 pm (0546 GMT) -- the exact moment the quake struck.
The disaster "brought unprecedented damage" and "claimed many precious lives", Abe, dressed in formal mourning attire, told the solemn gathering.
"I possess unceasing sympathy for those who lost beloved family members and friends."
Japan's ageing Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko did not attend this year's ceremony, but were represented by their son Prince Akishino and his wife Princess Kiko.
"Many people are still forced to face difficult times in the disaster areas and evacuation places," Akishino said.
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