A protective wall concrete dike of the kind being built all around the coast of Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures in response to the 2011 earthquake and tsunami (in Japan often known as the Great East Japan Earthquake). Behind the concrete sea wall, vegetation barriers have been planted to slow down waves. These defences are controversial however, and many oppose these huge construction works claiming they are simply a waste of public money and that they won't protect people and property in case of a new tsunami. Additionally, they are also destroying the landscape.