By Jane Nambi

Japan today marked its second anniversary of the earthquake which hit the country and led to the tsunami which is said to have killed over 1,000 people and displaced others.

The prayers were marked in three different states which were hard hit by the tsunami and earthquake. A one minute moment of silence was held at the exact time that the earthquake hit the country. At Okawa Elementary School, in Ishinomaki parents mourned as cold winds swept the school grounds. At least 70 children were swept to their deaths at the school when the tsunami hit.

Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko led tributes on Monday.