For the first time since the north-eastern zone of Japan was devastated by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, the country's prime minister Naoto Kan visited the area and met the employees working to control the overheated reactors in the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear complex.

The 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami that occurred on Friday, March 11, is one of the most powerful known earthquakes to have hit the region. Over 11,800 deaths have been confirmed by the Japanese National Police Agency across eighteen prefectures and around 125,000 buildings have been damaged or destroyed.

Prime Minister Naoto Kan, dressed in blue work clothes, visited the dozens of villages, towns and cities that have been devastated by the tsunami.

Reuters quoted Kan stating that It will be kind of a long battle, but the government will be working hard together with you until the end. I want everyone to do their best, too.

Start the slideshow to view photos of Kan's visit to the earthquake-stricken area:

Earthquake Japan Tsunami Japan