Millions across the country shared a moment of silence at 2:46 p.m. Monday to mark the second anniversary of the March 11 megaquake-tsunami calamity that struck Tohoku in 2011.
In Tokyo, Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, together with about 1,200 others, including three people from the three hardest-hit prefectures who suffered the loss of loved ones, participated in a state-hosted ceremony.
During the ceremony, the Emperor extended his sympathies and condolences to those who died and to the survivors, and thanked the many countries that provided assistance to those affected by the quake, tsunami and ensuing nuclear crisis at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant.
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