Rikuzentakata, northern Japan - still bearing the scars almost one year after a massive tsumami devastated this once sleepy seaside town.
More than 1500 people died and nearly 300 are still missing here after a 9.0 magnitude earthquake hit Japan on March 11 last year and triggered the devastating tsunami.
Just two days before the anniversary, one hundred policemen from neighbouring cities gather here to continue their search for the missing.
They understand the pain of residents - in this town alone, five out its 12 police officers were lost to the waves.
(SOUNDBITE) (Japanese) RIKUZENTAKATA POLICE OFFICER KANAME ENDO SAYING:
"There is no denying that bodies are still missing after the tsunami, so we just can't give up searching until there is absolutely no chance of finding them anymore."
Police, military and the coast guard have been conducting regular searches for those still missing, sending divers into the sea and pumping water out of rice paddies and gutters.
In recent searches only parts of body remains have been found - but many feel that even a shard of recovered bone is worthwhile.
(SOUNDBITE) (Japanese) 42-YEAR-OLD OFUNATO POLICE OFFICER KOUSAKU YOSHIDA SAYING:
"I can only wish to find even a piece of bone as a whole body is unlikely to be found now."
Japan's March 11 earthquake and tsunami left nearly 16000 people dead and more than 3000 missing, as well as triggering the world's worst nuclear crisis in 25 years at the Fukushima Daichi nuclear power plant.
Sunita Rappai, Reuters
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