It's been 100 days since Japan's twin disasters, which took the lives of more than ten thousand people. Remembrance ceremonies have been held across the country, and for many, it's an opportunity to experience some form of closure. But for others, the pain and grief is still too great.

100 days on.... from the devastating catastrophe that rocked Japan and shocked the world on March the 11th.

Across the country people attended ceremonies of mourning, to remember the many thousands who lost their lives that day.

More than 5 thousand people died in the city of Ishinomaki alone. Those who survived gathered on Saturday to pay their respects.

Victim's relative in Ishinomaki city said "Although it's been more than 3 months, we're still not ready to begin a new life and walk away from the past. I hope the mourning today might be a turning point for us."

According to Buddhist tradition, 100 days normally marks the end of the mourning period, when final prayers are held.

But many say closure will not be easy.

Remembrance ceremonies have been held across the country.

Noriko Sugai, welfare worker said "I don't think closure is possible in 100 days. I myself still find it hard to mourn properly or even comprehend the loss of life. So I can't imagine how those who have yet to even find the bodies of their loved ones, can find closure with these mass memorials. I believe they're just putting a number to it, trying to force closure within 100 days. I find it hard to accept."

Kyojun Motai, Deputy Head of Tokyo Buddhist Nichiren Sect. said "It's very difficult to expect those who've lost a loved one in an earthquake or tsunami to ever find real closure. But I believe it's important that we continue to try to deal with the grief."

Prayers of remembrance were offered in towns, cities and villages across Japan. But for many of those closest to the disaster, still trying to find the bodies of their loved ones, finally getting past the grief may hard to achieve

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