Soma, Japan - Buddhist priests are holding ceremonies to mark the 49th day since Japan's massive tsunami - when many devout believe that victims' souls end their restless wandering in limbo.
In the northeastern town of Soma, priests in black and gold robes chanted, burned incense and rang bells on Thursday as about 1000 mourners filled a hall to overflowing, with many standing outside a gate.
Many mourners carried framed photographs of lost loved ones, and wept. Some clutched wooden tablets containing Buddhist names given to dead to help them find their way into their next phase of existence.
Kiyoshi Sakurai said his brother not been found and the family has been unable to have a proper burial.
“But this give us some feeling of closure.” - Sapa-AP