Cloud Computing: Google Street View Offers Before, After Photos of Japan Tsunami Devastation

Build the Memory

"Mirai e no kioku" means "Build the Memory" in Japanese. That's what Google is trying to do with this Website. We'll start with the coastal Miyahi Prefecture, which was largely leveled in the disaster.

Ishinomaki, Miyagi Prefecture, Before

This shows the quiet town in June 2008, long before the earthquake and tsunami.

Ishinomaki After

The buildings you saw in the previous slide were leveled and swept away as seen in this image captured by Google Street View in July 2011.

Onagawa, Oshika District, Miyagi Prefecture, Before

Here is Onagawa as recorded by Street View in July 2008 before the disaster, stacked with bustling buildings.

Onagawa After

Onagawa's buildings have largely been swept away, as seen in this August 2011 view.

Shinchi Before

This is Shinchi, with plenty of trees and shrubs, before the tsunami in July 2008.

Shinchi After

The vegetation has been ripped from the ground, leaving bare soil, as recorded just this past November.

Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture

Google's Street View doesn't have before footage of every Japanese prefecture that suffered from the tsunami, but it did take some after pictures of affected areas in the Iwate Prefecture. This shot was taken in August 2011.

Otsuchi, Kamihei District, Iwate Prefecture

Buildings were shredded, but some were left standing in Otsuchi, as seen in October 2011.

Kesennuma, Miyagi Prefecture

In Kesennuma a large ship lies marooned on dry land next to a coastal road as record in July.