Devastation struck Japan on March 11, 2011 when the main island, Honshu, was shaken by the worst earthquake in the country's history. According to the US Geological Survey, the earthquake, called the Great East Japan Earthquake, was so violent that it shifted the Earth's axis by 10 cm and the shaking of the Earth's crust triggered a tsunami of epic proportions. Dragging a wall of water more than 10 meters high and massive enough to be seen from the International Space Station, the tsunami claimed more lives than the earthquake itself. Japan is a country that has faced more than its fair share of disasters over the last century. The country witnessed the city of Hiroshima devastated in 1945 by an atomic bomb and the city of Kobe devastated by a massive earthquake in 1995. Japan also saw a surge in tourism after major disasters with an increase of 492,000 international visitors, second in the Index Mundi, in 1996, the year after the devastating Kobe earthquake. Welcoming around 8 million visitors a year, Japan's tourism sector has been hit by devastating events with many airlines reducing routes to the country and, according to Japan, 75% of booked accommodation canceled in the month of March. The country's tourism sector faces challenges; However, Japan offers great vacation destinations for travelers, even in the aftermath of a disaster. Described by the Japanese Prime Minister as the worst disaster to hit Japan since World War II, the country faces an uphill battle to recover damaged sectors of its economy. The Japanese people, however, are known for their unity, strength and uncomplaining attitude in the wake of tragedy, as past disasters without reports of looting, protests or demonstrations have demonstrated. ....Wagyu cattle feed is strictly regulated by Japanese guidelines and sells for around $100 per kg according to Foodreference. Travel Channel food experts Andrew Zimmern of Bizarre Foods and Anthony Bourdain of No Reservations both traveled to Kobe to sample the succulent beef said to come from a cow that receives massages and beer daily. Voted in 2009 as the best tourist in the world by the Expedia Best Tourist Index, Japanese citizens are known as exceptional tourists because they are polite and tidy by the hoteliers who voted them for the number one position. In the wake of the most recent disaster, Japan needs tourists and visitors now more than ever to help revive its damaged tourism economy. Using history as a predictor of the future, the citizens of Japan will once again show the world strength and unity in the face of disaster.