An 8.9-magnitude earthquake hit off the east coast of Japan early today. The quake -- one of the largest in recorded history -- triggered a 23-foot tsunami that battered Japan's coast, killing hundreds and sweeping away cars, homes, buildings, and boats. Editors note: we'll post more as the story develops -- Lloyd Young (47 photos total) Houses swallowed by tsunami waves burn in Natori, Miyagi Pre
![Massive earthquake hits Japan](https://cdn-ak-scissors.b.st-hatena.com/image/square/5bc6efafa7630a9618fc9d4f7cfcb5a2b084427f/height=288;version=1;width=512/http%3A%2F%2Finapcache.boston.com%2Funiversal%2Fsite_graphics%2Fblogs%2Fbigpicture%2Farchive%2F200255.jpg)