On September 1, 1923, a great earthquake devastated the Kanto region of Japan, including Tokyo and Yokohama.  Fires following the initial tremors caused tremendous destruction.  This picture shows the thriving Ginza district of Tokyo, one of the leading areas of commerce and entertainment, engulfed in flames, resulting in the death of thousands as well as tremendous financial loss.

Credit: Donated by Corbis-Bettmann