The mystic stone

The mystic stone at tsunami tide's highest point that saved tiny Japanese village from the deadly wave

Carved into its weather-worn rock is a warning - 'Do not build your homes below this point!' -

because they would be at risk from floods in a tsunami.

The villagers obeyed the ancient warning and the tiny community of just 11 houses and 34 residents

were rewarded with survival at a key geographical point.

The stone tablet on the edge of the village of Aneyoshi,

which the town's population credits with saving their lives.