Japan Sunday observed the first anniversary of the killer earthquake and tsunami, which struck the north-eastern coast last year.

On March 3, 2011, a 9.0 magnitude quake, the most powerful to record, hit Japan at 14:46 local time.

A moment of silence was held at Ofunato, at 14:46 local time. It was exactly at this time last year that the devastating quake struck the country, and the killer tsunami hit 33 minutes later.

The main memorial ceremony was held at New National Theatre in Tokyo which was attended by Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda and Emperor Akihito.

Warning sirens, bells and prayers sounded across the north-east of the country at the precise time.

Check out the photos.

Japan Tsunami and Earthquake Anniversary
People join hands facing the sea to mourn victims of the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami, in Iwaki, Fukushima Prefecture March 11, 2012, to mark the first anniversary of the earthquake and tsunami that killed thousands and set off a nuclear crisis. Reuters
Japan Tsunami and Earthquake Anniversary
A man prays at an area damaged by the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Ofunato, Iwate Prefecture, March 11, 2012, as the nation marks the first anniversary of the disasters that killed thousands and set off a nuclear crisis. Reuters
Japan Tsunami and Earthquake Anniversary
Flowers are seen at an area damaged by the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Ofunato, Iwate Prefecture, March 11, 2012, as the nation marks the first anniversary of the disasters that killed thousands and set off a nuclear crisis. Reuters
Japan Tsunami and Earthquake Anniversary
Evacuees of Okuma town, who are dressed in protective suits, offer flowers and prayers for victims of the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami disaster during their temporary visit for the mourning event at the 20 km (12 miles) no-entry zone in Okuma town, Fukushima prefecture, March 11, 2012, to mark the first anniversary of the disasters that killed thousands and set off a nuclear crisis. Reuters
Japan Tsunami and Earthquake Anniversary
Evacuees of Okuma town, who are dressed in protective suits, offer flowers and prayers for victims of the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami disaster during their temporary visit for the mourning event at the 20 km (12 miles) no-entry zone in Okuma town, Fukushima prefecture, March 11, 2012, to mark the first anniversary of the disasters that killed thousands and set off a nuclear crisis. Reuters
Japan Tsunami and Earthquake Anniversary
Evacuees of Okuma town, who are dressed in protective suits, offer prayers for victims of the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami disaster at their town office during their temporary visit for the mourning event at the 20 km (12 miles) no-entry zone in Okuma town, Fukushima prefecture, March 11, 2012, to mark the first anniversary of the disasters that killed thousands and set off a nuclear crisis. The characters on the sign post reads, "People of Okuma town". Reuters
Japan Tsunami and Earthquake Anniversary
A woman attends a ceremony in an area damaged by the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Ofunato, Iwate Prefecture, March 11, 2012, to mark the first anniversary of the disasters that killed thousands and set off a nuclear crisis. Reuters
Earthquake Japan Japan Earthquake