The 15th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake was observed on March 11, marking the devastation caused by a massive tsunami that struck the Tohoku coastal region in 2011. On this day, residents of Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima prefectures gathered at various memorial sites early in the morning to remember and honor those who lost their lives in the disaster. The atmosphere was somber yet filled with reflections on resilience and the passage of time since the tragedy.

Among those visiting memorials was Takafumi Sasaki, a 75-year-old who lost his brother Yosuke, a town employee, to the tsunami. Accompanied by his wife Hiroko, Sasaki expressed a sense of connection and hope amidst grief, saying, "Everyone is doing well," as he quietly paid his respects at his brother's grave. This personal experience highlights the ongoing impact of the earthquake and the ways families continue to cope with their loss.

As part of the commemoration, many people from outside the affected areas, including Tokyo, made the journey to visit the disaster-stricken regions, striving to resist the fading memory of the tragedy. The day not only served to remember and reflect on the past but also illustrated the enduring spirit of those affected by the disaster as they continue to rebuild and support one another in their recovery efforts.