Before / after satellite images of areas affected by the Japanese earthquake.

Via Google Earth/Maps blog, a kml file that loads up in Google Earth.  As you select / de-select the "Japan Earthquake & Tsunami" places layer, you can see satellite images before and after the earthquake and tsunami.  They've also set up a PicasaWeb album, for those without access to Google Earth.

The most striking thing I got from all the destruction, is that in some areas, Mother Nature seems to have taken back what would have otherwise been swamp land, that was seemingly converted to agricultural land.  In other areas, entire towns were wiped out, with barely any proof that a village once existed.

Noticed that there were a number of sea pens off the bay in Yagawahama; apparently much of the area was dedicated to fishing, abalone and oysters.

Some information about Miyagi Prefecture (where much of the destruction occurred, including Yagawahama and Sendai).