The fortitude of the people in the Tohoku region of Japan in the wake of the earthquake and ensuing tsunami that caused widespread destruction and deaths was honored in Atlanta Nov. 16-17.

The tsunami generated by the 9.0 March 11 earthquake washed away whole towns, destroyed roads and railways throughout the region’s prefectures including Fukushima where nuclear plants were crippled.

Almost 16,000 people died with thousands more still missing.

Japan’s consul general, Takuji Hanatani, welcomed the guests to the opening reception at an exhibition of Tohoku ...