17 January
Thursday marks 24 years since the Great Hanshin Earthquake devastated western Japan. People prayed for the victims at the exact time of the quake.
In the chilly dawn, survivors and families of the victims gathered at a park where thousands of bamboo lanterns flickered.
A woman said, "I've lived in Kobe for many years, but the quake is an unforgettable experience."
6,434 people died and thousands more were injured in the massive quake. It damaged over 250,000 houses, forcing more than 300,000 people to evacuate.
NHK
