"The Earth Asleep" discovers hidden truths and forgotten histories about the 2011 Great East Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, the most powerful disaster ever recorded in Japan. The documentary includes invaluable archive research, testimonies, ceremonial rites, spiritual beliefs, bringing a sensitive understanding of loss and trauma. Image, poetry and music intertwine in an evocative rhythmic montage of archive and original visual elements, with a score beautifully rendered and inspired by Japanese instruments, and a poem on screen highlighting the role of the metaphor, to mark the 10th year commemoration of the lost and missing people.