The massive earthquake, tsunami and the resulting problems in nuclear generation facilities, power grid, transportation, housing and healthcare systems have shaken Japan literally and figuratively. The loss of life and destruction has and will have long term impacts on the country and region as Japan recovers and then begins to rebuild. The major news media have done a fairly good job of describing and illustrating the devastation but it is hard to imagine the scale and scope of the tragedy from thousands of miles away.

A great deal more information is available: Reuters, Google, The Guardian on the economic impact, The New York Times on the impact to Japanese families, and more.