On March 11, 2011, Japan suffered an earthquake and tsunami of unprecedented proportions. The Great East Japan Earthquake was measured at a magnitude 9.0, the largest ever recorded in Japan’s history. The disaster-prone nation has since taken steps to be better prepared for natural calamities, including the handling of evacuations and rebuilding the affected areas. The number of dead and missing as a result of the earthquake was reported to be approximately 20,000 people, with over 350,000 homes and other buildings completely or partially destroyed. In addition, damage from the quake and tsunami at Tokyo Electric Power’s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station led to a serious nuclear accident, forcing many of the residents of surrounding areas into long-term evacuation, according to Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. \”We must never let this disaster fade away and be forgotten,\” said Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. \”With the determination that all ministers are ministers for reconstruction, I request that you further speed up reconstruction efforts,\” it added.