Otsuchi town in August 2012

Otsuchi town in August 2012

OTSUCHI, Japan - Photo shows a part of the town of Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, on Aug. 13, 2012. While most of the debris from the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami has been cleaned up, a wide swath of the town remains vacant.

Record exists on China's shipment of missile transporters to N. Korea

Record exists on China's shipment of missile transporters to N. Korea

TOKYO, Japan - File photo shows what appears to be a new ballistic missile and a launch-pad vehicle during a military parade held at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang on April 15, 2012, the centennial of the birth of North Korea's state founder Kim Il Sung. Records from a cargo ship have revealed that China shipped to North Korea around August 2011 vehicles used to transport the new ballistic missile, Japanese government officials said June 13, 2012. China's action could constitute a violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions banning member states from exporting to North Korea any materials or equipment that could contribute to North Korea's ballistic missile program.

Record exists on China's shipment of missile transporters to N. Korea

Record exists on China's shipment of missile transporters to N. Korea

TOKYO, Japan - File photo shows what appears to be a new ballistic missile and a launch-pad vehicle during a military parade held at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang on April 15, 2012, the centennial of the birth of North Korea's state founder Kim Il Sung. Records from a cargo ship have revealed that China shipped to North Korea around August 2011 vehicles used to transport the new ballistic missile, Japanese government officials said June 13, 2012. China's action could constitute a violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions banning member states from exporting to North Korea any materials or equipment that could contribute to North Korea's ballistic missile program.

'Cool Japan' logo

'Cool Japan' logo

TOKYO, Japan - Photo shows a logo for ''Cool Japan'' -- a strategy to promote contemporary Japanese culture such as animations, fashion and food worldwide. The Japanese government unveiled the logo, created by prominent designer Kashiwa Sato, on Sept. 13, 2011. It was selected through a competition held between late July and mid-August.

Remnants of March tsunami

Remnants of March tsunami

KAMAISHI, Japan - People look at a 100-meter-long cargo ship stranded on the quay in Kamaishi, Iwate Prefecture, on August 13, 2011. Reminders of the March 11 tsunami, such as this cargo ship, are drawing visitors during the summer vacation season.