&lt;p&gt;Japanese Emperor Akihito (L) and Empress Michiko (2nd L) pray for earthquake and tsunami victims as they stand at the playground of Isatomae Elementary School, in the disaster-affected area in Minamisanriku town, Miyagi Prefecture April 27, 2011. Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko paid their first visit to the northeastern Japan on Wednesday since the March 11 earthquake and tsunami devastated the Tohoku region. Minamisanriku town mayor Jin Sato (R) and Miyagi Governor Yoshihiro Murai are seen behind them. REUTERS/Toru Yamanaka/Pool&lt;/p&gt;