Takata

The stand of 70,000 pines, known as the Takata Matsubara, or pine forest, lined Rikuzentakata's long, white-sand beach.

Hope of the Lone Pine: As Tree Clings to Life, So Does Japanese City Gordon Fairclough 2011

"I want Takata Hospital to reopen," she said, leaning over the hospital bed of her husband, who can no longer speak.

Japan's Way Back Daisuke Wakabayashi 2011

Takata High had to move to a previously abandoned school in Ofunato.

Baseball Helps Japanese Town Mend Gordon Fairclough 2011

"Without a doubt, you guys will build the future of Takata," he told them.

Baseball Helps Japanese Town Mend Gordon Fairclough 2011

On the Takata bench Saturday was a picture of popular pitcher Akitoshi Kanno and his family.

Baseball Helps Japanese Town Mend Gordon Fairclough 2011

Dr. Mikihito Ishiki, Takata Hospital's chief of medicine, wants to build a new hospital for more than $50 million.

Japan's Way Back Daisuke Wakabayashi 2011

Dr. Hayashi appeared to Mrs. Takata in a dream asking her to come to Japan.

Reiki: A Disturbing Substitute for Faith 2009

Eager for practice, the Takata boys played for hours in cold and driving rain and chased ground balls until after nightfall on unlit fields.

Baseball Helps Japanese Town Mend Gordon Fairclough 2011

The Rebuilding Dilemma When the tsunami slammed the coastal city of Rikuzentakata, patients and caregivers escaped to the roof of Takata Hospital.

Japan's Way Back Daisuke Wakabayashi 2011

Before Saturday's game, Akishi Sasaki, Takata's head coach told the team: "For the next two hours, just forget what's happened, concentrate on baseball and have fun."

Baseball Helps Japanese Town Mend Gordon Fairclough 2011