Town of Kamaishi after the Japan eartquake and tsunami in 11 March 2011.

The Kamaishi Tsunami Protection Breakwater, 1,950 m (6,400 ft) long and 63 m (207 ft) in depth, was completed in March 2009 after three decades of construction, at a cost of $1.5 billion. It was once recognized by the Guinness World Records as the world's deepest breakwater. Kamaishi was heavily damaged by the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. Tsunami waves as tall as 14 ft (4.3 m) surmounted the Kamaishi Breakwater. Approximately 1,250 city residents were killed or missing from the tsunami. Many news videos were broadcast of the city, which can be recognized by a large green crane in the background and water rushing against tall buildings at the edge of the city. At least 4 of the town's 69 designated evacuation sites were inundated by the tsunami.

Of the 2,900 students who attended the town's schools, only five elementary or junior high school students were killed or missing from the tsunami. Three of the town's 14 schools were inundated by the tsunami.

The decision has been taken to rebuild the breakwater at a cost of over 650 million dollars. The plan has been criticised as 'a waste of money that aims to protect an area of rapidly declining population with technology that is a proven failure.'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M535NGr9vbo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfzhfY4o0P8

http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/11_18/b4226058170424.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamaishi,_Iwate