Other countries in manufacturing could see benefits as Japan's industry tries to recover.

Egypt's stock market dropped 10 percent in the space of just a minute. The exchange had been closed since January 27 due to the country's civil and economic unrest.

Hit talent shows like "The X Factor" have become a prime source of new talent for the British music industry.

The Group of Seven have announced their coordinated intervention plan to ease pressure on Japan's exchange rate, helping to boost stocks and weaken the yen.

The Japanese government has expanded the evacuation zone surrounding the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant after several explosions. The fires, triggered by the earthquake, have caused a surge in potentially toxic radiation.

The BBC's Chris Hogg explains the global economic implications of the disaster in Japan.

After a devastating earthquake last week, Japan is taking steps to prevent an economic collapse in the country. The Bank of Japan has injected a record amount of cash into the financial system to provide liquidity and stabilize the shaky economy.

Indonesia experienced the devastating effects of a tsunami six years ago. So now, it isn't taking any chances.

The BBC's Ben Richardson discusses the companies that will be impacted by Japan's earthquake and tsunami and the economic effects that will be felt across Asia.

The BBC's Duncan Bartlett, the former Tokyo bureau chief, discusses how prepared Japan was for big earthquake.